Who Should I Start? Jerome Ford or Trey Benson

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, 10:19 AM

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson produced a very forgettable rookie season in 2024. He registered a total of 69 touches (63 carries, six receptions), 350 yards from scrimmage, one rushing touchdown, and one fumble. The Cardinals hope he eventually becomes the successor to James Conner, but the veteran set career highs in yards and carries last year while Benson gave up touches to Emari Demercado and Michael Carter. During training camp and preseason, the team did talk about getting Benson more involved, but his upside currently revolves around whether or not Conner can stay healthy. In 12-team leagues, it's better to avoid Benson in Week 1 until we see how their game plan shakes out.