Who Should I Start? Jerome Ford or Zach Charbonnet

Friday, August 8, 6:36 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford is among the players who are not expected to play for the team in its first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on Friday night. Many key offensive contributors for Cleveland are not expected to play, including wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, tight end David Njoku, and quarterback Joe Flacco. Notably, Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson is expected to suit up. With fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins still unsigned due to a July arrest, Sampson and Ford are competing for backfield snaps in Cleveland. Ford is entering his fourth season with the Browns, so he has less to prove in preseason action than Sampson.

Saturday, August 16, 10:49 AM

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet looked like he was in midseason form on Friday against the Chiefs. Charbonnet rushed for 45 yards and a touchdown on just five carries. Although the preseason is not always predictive of the regular season, Charbonnet's performance is encouraging for fantasy managers who believe he has a chance to split time with starting running back Kenneth Walker III. Charbonnet was a fantasy gem in 2024 when Walker missed time. Walker has had trouble staying healthy throughout his career, making Charbonnet one of the most valuable handcuffs in the league at worst. If Friday's game is any indication, the Seahawks' running scheme should be substantially improved in 2025 under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Improvements in the running scheme will benefit Charbonnet greatly this season.