Who Should I Start? Jerome Ford or Ladd McConkey

Monday, September 1, 6:19 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford is expected to be in a workhorse role out of the backfield for the team's Week 1 divisional matchup on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Rookie Dylan Sampson should operate in a change-of-pace role behind him with second-round rookie Quinshon Judkins still unsigned following a domestic-violence incident in the offseason. The 25-year-old Ford led Cleveland's backfield in 2024 with only 565 yards in 14 games, and he'll open this year as their primary back, which counts for something in fantasy. However, in a game in which the Browns could be forced to throw often to keep up with Cincy's high-powered offense, Ford may have limited opportunities. He figures to be a low-upside RB3/flex, at best, in Week 1 fantasy lineups.

Tuesday, August 12, 6:51 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (undisclosed) was back in 11-on-11 drills at Tuesday's training camp practice, according to The Athletic's Daniel Popper. "I feel like I'm there now. It's just about building everything back up and...getting my conditioning back to where it needs to be," McConkey said when asked how close he is to 100% health. The Chargers and McConkey haven't disclosed the nature of his injury. Now that the 23-year-old second-year wideout is back at practice, he could play in the team's third preseason contest this Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams. The second-rounder in 2024 out of Georgia quickly became quarterback Justin Herbert's go-to receiver last year and finished with an 82-1,149-7 line in 16 games played. McConkey is a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 in fantasy going into his sophomore season.