Who Should I Start? Jerome Ford or Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Friday, September 12, 9:29 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford will take on the Baltimore Ravens on the road in Week 2. Ford is looking to shake off a slow start in Week 1 as he gained just eight yards on six carries while losing three yards on his lone catch in a one-point loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran's role as the team's starter could be coming to an end soon as rookie Quinshon Judkins is expected to make his pro debut against the Ravens, which could push Ford to a bench role, assuming the Browns keep rookie Dylan Sampson in the third-down spot. Ford is an extremely risky fantasy option in Week 2 and should be left on benches with his backfield role up in the air.

Tuesday, September 16, 9:47 AM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. will be "back in the fold" for the team in Week 3, according to coach Dan Quinn. Rodriguez has been a healthy scratch for the first two games of the season since the Commanders relied on Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols to handle the load in the backfield. With Ekeler (Achilles) lost for the season, there will be significant work available in the Washington backfield going forward. Croskey-Merritt will step in as the lead back, but Rodriguez and McNichols will mix in as well. Rodriguez had an impressive training camp and preseason and could carve out significant playing time in the new timeshare, even though Quinn made sure to emphasize that the team is comfortable with Croskey-Merritt in passing situations. At this point, Rodriguez is a waiver wire option in deep leagues and definitely someone to watch in all formats to see how the timeshare is divied up in Week 3 against the Raiders.