Nick Chubb Week 3 Outlook - Commanders at Browns

By Mike Tagliere (FantasyPros), Thu, Sep 24th 2020, 9:59am EDT

We've now seen two different gamescripts for the Browns, and they've given us clarity on how the backfield will be handled under Kevin Stefanski. Chubb is the preferred early-down option, especially in positive gamescripts, while Hunt is the preferred pass-catching back who'll get double-digit carries if they run the ball 25-plus times. Through two games, this backfield has averaged 32.0 touches per game. Funny enough, the Vikings running backs averaged 32.5 under Kevin Stefanski last year. Against Washington, we should see them rack up the carries, though there have been warning signs about efficiency in this matchup. Under Ron Rivera, this unit has allowed just 0.56 PPR points per opportunity to running backs, which ranks as the second-lowest mark in football through two weeks. A big part of that is due to them being one of just four teams who've yet to allow a touchdown to running backs. Now, to be fair, they played a Miles Sanders-less Eagles team in Week 1 and then Kyler Murray rushed for two touchdowns in Week 2, so we can't automatically assume they're rock stars that you can't run the ball against. Chubb and Hunt are tied, leading the league with 4.4 yards after contact, so getting to them isn't all you have to do; you still must bring them down. In a game they should be able to run the ball 30-plus times, you have to start these two. Chubb is the preferred option due to the positive gamescript and has double the carries Hunt does inside the five-yard-line, so start him as a low-end RB1. Hunt is still a fine backend RB2 play given the projected gamescript.