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Should I drop Jerome Ford for fantasy football Week 2? Is Jerome Ford a safe player to cut? Read the fantasy football waivers outlook.
Fantasy managers entered Week 1 expecting Jerome Ford to be the lead running back for the Cleveland Browns. The team took on the Bengals in Week 1, and it felt like a decent spot for Ford to succeed. Unfortunately, he left managers frustrated as they watched rookie Dylan Sampson take control.
The Browns' offense was lacking in the 17-16 loss, and the usage (or lack thereof) hurt Ford's outlook. You drafted Ford to have him in your starting lineup, but now you're unsure of what to do with him.
With Sampson and another talented rookie, Quinshon Judkins, expected back soon, Ford's role is unclear. Is he worth holding onto, or should you move on to someone with more upside?
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Should I Drop Jerome Ford in Fantasy Football?
It's clear Ford didn't have the week fantasy managers were expecting: six carries for eight yards, with 1.3 yards per attempt. He wasn't able to get it done through the air either, catching one pass for negative three yards. With stats like that, he seems unusable in starting lineups.
Ford was outperformed and out-touched, with Sampson handling more rushing work while carving out a role in the passing game. Although Sampson rushed for just 29 yards on 12 attempts, he popped by catching eight balls for 64 yards.
#Browns rookie RB Dylan Sampson said he felt a rhythm growing there with Joe Flacco today in his NFL regular-season debut. It showed in his eight receptions for 64 yards.
"I felt the rhythm. The ball finds energy." pic.twitter.com/qYf0n60265
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) September 8, 2025
Quinshon Judkins is also waiting in the wings. The Browns' second-round pick missed training camp with contract issues but signed right before Week 1. He should be active soon and looks to be part of the long-term plan at RB.
Ford could slide down the depth chart once Judkins sees action. It feels like the writing is on the wall with this one; drafting two rookies that high should have caught our attention.
Browns QB Joe Flacco on the looming return of RB Quinshon Judkins: “He’s a big part of what this football team could be.”
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) September 7, 2025
He's on a one-year, $1.8 million deal, and currently has no guaranteed role in the passing game. In fantasy football, those are huge red flags (unless he can find 15+ carries each week).
Sampson is already blossoming, and Judkins is right there in the mix. Ford can safely be dropped in most leagues if you're looking for more roster security (although you won't find much on waivers at running back). He is a hold if you feel like giving him one more week to see how things shake out, but he shouldn't be in starting lineups.
Who Should I Pickup for Fantasy Football?
One option worth investing in is Trey Benson, who showed off his explosiveness with eight carries for 69 yards in Arizona's Week 1 win over the Saints. The running back, rostered in 54% of Sleeper leagues, split time with James Conner. While Conner handled 12 carries, he was less efficient than Benson, tallying just 39 yards.
2nd year RB Trey Benson for 52 yards
AZvsNO on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/0kWYCp0G2e
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
The Cardinals hinted at a split before the season, and that looks to be the case. Despite sharing time with Conner, Benson will have standalone value. He shouldn't be valued as just a handcuff, as the team has plans to use both runners. With fresher legs and a path to a larger role if the veteran misses time, Benson is a solid add if you need running back help.
If you're trying to replace Ford directly, Dylan Sampson would be the obvious choice. Sampson led the Browns in receptions with eight while flashing dual-threat ability as a runner and pass catcher.
A breakout game for Samp capped off by a Rookie of the Week nomination!
Vote for @dylans21527 ➡️ https://t.co/IbN2da6hGH pic.twitter.com/L55PRr6w3R
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 9, 2025
The trouble comes when Judkins enters the picture, which could hinder his workload. The upside is clear, with Sampson already looking more involved than Ford. Even if it is a committee, Sampson offers more fantasy value than Ford.
For those searching for a player with a chance of being a quiet fantasy asset this season, Kareem Hunt is the running back to pick up. He participated in 38% of the offensive snaps in Week 1, just behind Isiah Pacheco. Hunt turned his seven touches into just 26 yards, which isn't league-winning production, but it shows he'll have a role.
#Chiefs Week 1 RB Usage
- Isiah Pacheco: 48% snaps, 5 carries, 17 routes, 3 targets (28 yds)
- Kareem Hunt: 40% snaps, 5 carries, 15 routes, 3 targets (26 yds)
- Brashard Smith: 14% snaps, 0 carries, 5 routesMahomes led them in rush yds. Worrisome night for Pacheco
— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 6, 2025
If Pacheco's injury history catches up to him, Hunt makes for a strong stash. This week, the Chiefs face the Eagles, so don't get any ideas to start him after you pick him up. He's the option you play against less formidable opponents.
Who Should I Pickup Tool
Trying to decide who to pickup off the waiver wire? Check the Who Should I Pickup tool here:
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