Who Should I Start? Jerome Ford or Quinshon Judkins

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, 2:13 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins is scheduled to meet with the NFL this week regarding his ongoing domestic battery case, according to PFT's Mike Florio. Judkins recently signed his rookie contract and is expected to join the team this week, but he still faces potential league discipline. The timing, length, or likelihood of a suspension remains uncertain, but Judkins could miss more time beyond Week 1. If he is suspended, Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson are poised to absorb the bulk of the workload in Cleveland's backfield. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor this situation closely, as Judkins' availability will directly impact running back target shares and value for Ford and Sampson. While the holdout has ended, Judkins' status remains a significant question mark for the beginning of the 2025 season.