The Cleveland Browns face a tough run defense in the 49ers this week, but is there an angle on one of the Browns running backs we can exploit? Let’s dig in and find out.
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Jerome Ford’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
The big FAAB pickup from a few weeks ago has solidified himself as the undisputed lead back in Cleveland with Nick Chubb’s season-ending injury. Ford is a solid RB2 and slides in at RB 24 on our rankings.
Since Chubb is out, Ford has taken 33% of the rushing attempts in the two games. More importantly, he has all of the seven running back catches from those two games. Unfortunately, the Browns face the No. 7 fantasy rushing defense this week in the 49ers, so we must temper our expectations.
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The Niners only give up 43 yards per game on the ground but give up an average of 6 running back catches per game. This is where Ford will do his damage since he is the exclusive pass catcher in the backfield.
Add into the mix that P.J. Walker may be under center this game, and I predict a line of 10 rushes for 25 yards with five catches for 50 yards. This adds up to a PPR RB 2.
Kareem Hunt’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
All the excitement of Kareem Hunt finally signing, especially back with the Browns, should be entirely over since he has averaged five carries for 12.5 yards and zero catches in his two games this season.
Hunt is nothing more than Jerome Ford’s insurance. That isn’t a sentence many of us were expecting to read in the offseason.
Pierre Strong Jr.’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
I believe Strong is the backup to Ford, not Hunt. Strong has received similar workloads with 5.5 carries per game but a much better yards per carry with almost seven YPC.
Strong is also getting zero receptions and is solely a stash play in case Ford gets hurt. I would not recommend starting Strong in any format.
Which of the Browns Running Back Should You Start?
This is a no-brainer. The answer is Jerome Ford, but do not expect a week-winning performance. We are relying on pass-catching to get us there, and I believe Walker or Watson will use Ford to alleviate the pressure from the vaunted 49ers pass rush.