Who Should I Start? Jerome Ford or Cam Skattebo

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.

Saturday, September 6, 1:19 AM

New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo is a player to watch for later weeks, but he is not a recommended play for his Week 1 debut. The Giants drafted Skattebo in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft after a standout college season with over 2,300 scrimmage yards. However, he is currently buried on the depth chart behind starting running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. While the Commanders' defense was vulnerable to the run last season, ranking 24th against fantasy running backs and allowing 22.72 fantasy points per game, Skattebo is not expected to see enough volume to be a fantasy-relevant option in Week 1. Fantasy managers should monitor his usage, but he should remain on the bench to start the season.