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Purchase Jerome Ford, drive him off the lot and you could race out to a rip-roaring start in fantasy.
On Monday, the Browns predictably placed All-Pro running back Nick Chubb on the PUP list, a transaction that will keep the four-time Pro Bowler sidelined for the regular season’s first four games.
Some fantasy managers and Cleveland fans were holding out hope the Chubb Club would reopen in time for Week 1. After all just weeks ago, the guy was in the gym squatting beer trucks. However, only months removed from a devastating knee injury, Browns general manager Andrew Berry wisely played it safe with his star. Once activated, Chubb will likely be brought along slowly with a gradual deployment over the regular season’s second half. In other words, the events are unfolding just as we expected.
This Chubb investor scored his services for $12 in a recent 14-team salary cap draft, with high confidence he’ll make a colorful impact once the leaves change. Keep in mind: In Weeks 11 through 17, Cleveland has a borderline top-10 easiest strength of schedule for fantasy RBs. And most notably, head coach Kevin Stefanski has one of the best run-blocking lines in the league.
As for Ford, expect him to rev the engine immediately.
In Weeks 1 through 4, the Browns square off against the Cowboys, Jaguars, Giants and Raiders. According to ESPN’s Mike Clay, Dallas and New York feature interior defensive lines outside the top 20. Meanwhile, Jacksonville and Las Vegas, though better on paper, aren’t expected to be lockdown units. In an offense predicated on running the football (42.8% in ‘23), Ford should rack at least 15-20 touches per game.
The 2022 fifth-round pick’s advanced profile last season is another strong selling point. On 204 carries in 2023, Ford amassed an attractive 2.93 yards after contact per attempt, forced 43 total missed tackles (RB14), recorded 44 receptions and tallied 3.54 yards created per touch (RB20). When the rock is in his hands, he routinely falls forward.
Discounted heavily in drafts due to the backfield uncertainty, Ford’s ADP, in exercises conducted over the last two weeks, sits at a very buyable 117.78 (RB37). Don’t be surprised if he turns an immediate profit. With Chubb in street clothes, Ford — even in a loose timeshare with Pierre Strong — could wake up in Week 5 inside the RB top 12 in total fantasy scoring.
Looking to start off the fantasy season fast? Hop a ride in Cleveland's Mustang.