Who Should I Start? Jerome Ford or Bhayshul Tuten

Friday, September 5, 8:15 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford will take on the Cincinnati Bengals at home in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season. Ford is expected to operate as the team's workhorse back early in the season with Quinshon Judkins still unsigned and rookie Dylan Sampson ticketed for a change-of-pace role. The veteran Ford operated as the team's lead back for much of the 2024 season but only managed 565 rushing yards. Ford will take on a Bengals defense that allowed the 15th-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs last season in Week 1, but the Browns could be playing from behind for the majority of the game against a high-powered Cincy offense. Ford checks in as a low-end RB3/flex option this weekend.

Thursday, September 4, 12:36 PM

ESPN's Dan Graziano thinks that Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten could come out of nowhere to surprise everyone in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. Graziano doesn't think the Jaguars even know yet how their backfield will shake out in 2025. Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby are the incumbents, but the team took both Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. in this year's draft. Graziano writes that while Etienne and Bigsby will get the first shot, the "new front office and coaching staff drafted Tuten and Allen and have plans for them." Tuten is a "home run hitter" and is the most explosive of the group, and his explosiveness "could lead to greater opportunities sooner rather than later." The 23-year-old is an interesting watch candidate in shallow fantasy leagues to begin the season and is worth a stash in deeper leagues, especially if you already have Etienne or Bigsby rostered.