Fantasy Football Player Notes

With the Quinshon Judkins off-the-field issues, Jerome Ford reenters the fray as a late-round running back option. Last year, when he was active with Nick Chubb in the lineup, he averaged 8.2 touches and 47.7 total yards as the RB39 in fantasy points per game. Ford remained explosive last year. Among 46 qualifying backs, he ranked eighth in explosive run rate and yards after contact per attempt while finishing 18th in missed tackles forced per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). If Judkins doesn't get suspended, Ford's fantasy value in 2025 is barely palpable, as Judkins and Dylan Sampson will likely lead the way. If Judkins misses any time, Ford will likely fall back into his previous role for the team as a committee back, ceding the passing down work to Sampson. Ford could offer some flex appeal in deeper leagues to begin the season and some best-ball upside.

The Cleveland Browns took Quinshon Judkins early in the second round of this year's draft and will probably use him as their lead back, though he'll have to fend off competition from veteran Jerome Ford and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson. A powerful, decisive runner with good contact balance and nifty feet, Quinshon Judkins had 1,567 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns as a true freshman at Ole Miss. His last two college seasons were good but not quite as awe-inspiring. The limitation of the Cleveland offense could keep Judkins' fantasy value in check this year, but he has a chance to provide RB3 or flex value, if not more. A domestic violence arrest kept the Browns from signing Judkins in time for the start of training camp, but with no charges forthcoming, there is no danger of Judkins missing the season.

Dylan Sampson has the chance to assert himself atop the Browns RB depth chart. Quinshon Judkins remains unsigned and Jerome Ford took a pay cut to stay on the Browns roster. The Browns want a rookie to be a major contributor and Sampson will be that guy as long as Judkins remains out of the picture. The Tennessee RB broke out in 2024 with a 34% dominator rating and is yet to turn 21 years old. He fits the Browns' outside zone run scheme to a tee and has been praised as a capable pass-catcher throughout the offseason. One of the best RB sleepers you can draft with both immediate and long-term appeal if the Judkins situation drags on.