Who Should I Start? Jerome Ford or Xavier Worthy

Thursday, January 2, 2:02 PM

Cleveland Browns running backs Jerome Ford (ankle) and Pierre Strong Jr. (concussion) have both been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. Ford sprained his ankle in the Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins and will be unavailable to play in the final game of the season. With Nick Chubb (foot) getting a late start in 2024 while recovering from a gruesome knee injury he suffered in 2023, Ford opened 2024 as Cleveland's RB1 and will finish the year as their leading rusher with 104 rushing attempts for 565 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and a team-high-tying three rushing touchdowns. With both Ford and Strong out this weekend, D'Onta Foreman will be in play as a low-upside RB3/flex for fantasy managers as the team's lead back. John Kelly should serve as his backup.

Saturday, January 4, 11:34 AM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy may face the Denver Broncos in Week 18. Over the past few weeks, the rookie receiver has stepped up and become the focal point of the Kansas City offense. Given how important he is to the Chiefs, it would be reasonable to assume he could be rested in Week 18 along with the other starters. Worthy was not listed on the Chiefs injury report, so he could still play against the Broncos this week. The Broncos rank 16th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season, making them a neutral matchup. Worthy is ranked WR42 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a flex option this week. Fantasy managers starting Worthy should watch the pre-game inactives because the rookie may find himself on that list.