Who Should I Start? Ty Johnson or Jerome Ford

Saturday, October 4, 6:31 PM

Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson continues to play a modest role in the team's backfield rotation, logging between 20% and 33% of offensive snaps in each of the first four games. However, his on-field presence has not translated into meaningful fantasy production, as he's averaging just two carries for 10.8 yards per game. With James Cook III firmly entrenched as the lead back and quarterback Josh Allen consistently handling a share of the rushing workload, Johnson's fantasy value remains minimal. Unless Cook misses time, Johnson offers little more than deep-league or handcuff appeal. Fantasy managers should avoid starting him in Week 5 against a Patriots defense that has allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game. Johnson's role is simply too limited to warrant consideration outside of the deepest formats.

Wednesday, October 29, 11:11 AM

Cleveland Browns beat writer Brad Stainbrook speculates that veteran running back Jerome Ford should be one of the players that Cleveland explores moving at the upcoming trade deadline. The 2-6 Browns appear to be in sell mode as they hit their Week 9 bye. Ford is in the final year of his rookie contract with the team and has recorded 149 scrimmage yards on 42 total touches across eight games this season. Furthermore, Cleveland has a pair of exciting rookie running backs in Quinshon Judkins (shoulder) and Dylan Sampson, so Ford is unlikely to factor in the organization's long-term plans. If Ford is traded on or before the November 4 trade deadline, Sampson would likely become the full-time passing-downs back in Cleveland. If the shoulder injury that Judkins suffered in Week 8 causes him to miss time, Sampson could be the Browns' RB1 in Week 10 against the New York Jets.