The Cleveland Browns running back position is in intriguing shape, with the presence of Nick Chubb looming on the PUP list to start the season, but he is due to return at some point in the next couple of months. Where does that leave Cleveland’s returning leader in rush yards, Jerome Ford? Here’s a breakdown of his fantasy football impact for the 2024 season.
Jerome Ford’s Fantasy Profile for the 2024 NFL Season
In his second season, Ford became a player of top consideration for fantasy owners at the running back position once Chubb was lost for the season with a torn MCL suffered in Week 2 versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although he started 12 games last season, Ford still did not dominate the ball out of the running back position for Cleveland.
The Browns used Ford and Kareem Hunt effectively last season, and despite the loss of Chubb, they still finished 12th in the league in rushing offense (118.6 rush yards per game). Ford still led the team in rush attempts (204) and rushing yards (804) but was on the field for 60% or more of the team’s offensive snaps in only four games.
Ford provided value for fantasy owners through his pass-catching ability. Ford finished fourth on the team in receptions (44) and receiving yards (319), and his five TD receptions were tied with Amari Cooper for second-most on the team (tight end David Njoku led Cleveland with six).
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Ford’s numbers were a significant increase from his rookie season in 2022, when he was limited to just eight carries for 12 yards for the entire season. He also proved to be a decent big-game performer, as his two 100-yard games last season came on the road at division rivals Pittsburgh (106 rush yards) and Baltimore (107).
However, in the biggest game of the season, Ford was held to just nine carries for 17 yards in a 45-14 blowout loss to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card Round.
And Cleveland certainly benefited from giving Ford the ball last season. The Browns were an impressive 10-1 last season when Ford had 10 or more carries in a game. When Ford had fewer than 10 carries, the Browns were just 1-5.
Is Ford a Good Fantasy Pick?
On the surface, Ford’s numbers from last season appear to signify a player who is ready to continue to improve his numbers in Year 3. However, when it comes to his fantasy value, the problem for Ford comes from the numbers — the Browns’ crowded backfield.
If Chubb can fully recover, it’s expected he will resume his role as the Browns’ No. 1 running back. And while Hunt is gone, with Foreman, Hines, and Ricci on the roster, it could be difficult for Ford to get the same amount of time on the field this season, barring injuries.
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Being potentially forced to split carries with the other reserve running backs for the Browns is hardly a recipe for success for fantasy owners who have him in their lineups.
However, at the very least, he should get carries as the Browns’ top backup at this position. He figures to have at least earned that role on the Cleveland roster.