Who Should I Start? Jerome Ford or Jaydon Blue

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, 7:05 PM

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue is listed as a healthy scratch for the Week 1 season opener on Thursday night against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, according to Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com. Blue was impressive in training camp and the preseason over the summer before suffering a low-ankle sprain in the preseason finale. The injury cost the 21-year-old some time, but he was a full participant in practice this week, and his absence from the season opener is merely a coach's decision. For now, he's a distant third in Dallas' backfield behind starter Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. Blue figures to play a role a some point in 2025, but right now, he's merely a bench stash for RB depth in fantasy leagues. Dallas could have a tough time running the football on Thursday night against a stout Eagles defensive line.