Who Should I Start? Derrick Henry or Jerome Ford

Saturday, December 20, 8:06 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry faces a tough challenge in the form of the New England Patriots' defense during Sunday Night Football in Week 16. The Patriots have allowed the fewest fantasy points to running backs in 2025, as well as the second-fewest rushing yards. The run-stopping unit has been relentless this year, but this matchup is coming at a convenient time for Henry. New England's defense is short-staffed with linebacker Robert Spillane (ankle) ruled out. Meanwhile, linebacker Harold Landry III (knee) and defensive tackle Christian Barmore (knee) are both questionable. Henry is coming off an impressive two-game stretch, during which he tallied 202 scrimmage yards. However, he hasn't found the end zone since Week 13. The 31-year-old ranks as the overall RB15 in RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings for Week 16. He has top-12 upside, especially if New England's defense is forced to play without Landry, Barmore, or both.

Tuesday, December 9, 4:41 PM

The Cleveland Browns have placed running back Jerome Ford (shoulder) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday. With only four games remaining, Ford's season will come to an end after suffering a shoulder injury during Cleveland's Week 14 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The 26-year-old totaled 24 carries for 73 yards to go with 26 receptions (32 targets) for 103 yards in 13 games this season as Cleveland's primary passing-down back. His role gradually faded as the season went along, playing just 21.8% of the offensive snaps since Week 7. Rookie Quinshon Judkins will continue to lead Cleveland's backfield, while rookie Dylan Sampson will be the main beneficiary of Ford's absence and should be considered as a waiver-wire pickup in deep PPR leagues this week as RB depth.