The Cleveland Browns running back situation took shape in Week 1, though neither option inspired confidence. Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson split the backfield but failed to impress on the ground. Their upcoming matchup against Baltimore presents different challenges. With neither back establishing themselves as a clear weekly starter, can fantasy football managers trust either in Week 2 lineups?
Jerome Ford Fantasy Outlook
Ford served as the Browns’ lead back as expected in Week 1, playing 41 snaps (54% share). However, his results were absolutely abysmal against what should have been a favorable matchup versus Cincinnati’s weak run defense.
Against the Bengals, Ford managed just 8 yards on six carries while adding one reception for -3 yards, totaling a mere 1.5 fantasy points. His 1.3 yards per carry average represented one of the worst efficiency performances by any starting running back in Week 1.
Ford was on the field for almost all clear passing situations, yet earned only one target despite Cleveland’s need to throw frequently. This limited involvement in the passing game severely caps his fantasy ceiling, particularly in negative game scripts where his rushing opportunities disappear entirely.
The matchup against Baltimore presents a theoretically more favorable opportunity, as the Ravens allowed Buffalo Bills running back James Cook to total 102 yards on 18 touches in Week 1. However, Ford may lack the talent necessary to take advantage of this potentially exploitable defense.
The Browns’ offense is not precisely the Bills’ offense, and if Ford couldn’t generate any production against a subpar Bengals defense, fantasy managers cannot trust him moving forward. His inefficiency and limited pass-catching role make him an unreliable weekly option despite his snap advantage.
Dylan Sampson Fantasy Outlook
Sampson played behind Ford in terms of snaps (33, 43% share), but the Browns made it a clear point to get him the ball when he was on the field. The rookie emerged as the ultimate PPR asset, catching all 8 of his targets for 64 yards while adding 12 carries for 29 yards.
The rookie’s receiving performance provided 14.4 fantasy points through the air alone, demonstrating his value in passing situations. Sampson played 33 offensive snaps and touched the ball on a staggering 60% of them, showcasing Cleveland’s commitment to involving him in the game plan.
The Dylan Sampson grabs were sooo good.
Made everyone miss after the catch, shoestring grab, great timing and hands on swings. pic.twitter.com/dSLlCSv54f
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) September 8, 2025
Sampson wasn’t particularly effective as a rusher, though, managing just 2.4 yards per carry on his dozen attempts. However, his rushing performance looks significantly better in comparison to Ford’s dismal showing, and his versatility gives him multiple paths to production.
The rookie dominated passing down work even though Ford was the two-minute back. His 20 total touches compared to Ford’s seven resulted in a commanding 66.7% touch share by game’s end.
Given that Cook managed five receptions for 58 yards in Buffalo’s Week 1 victory over the Ravens, perhaps Baltimore may indeed be vulnerable to running backs operating out of the backfield. If this pattern continues, Sampson’s receiving skills could make him a consistent PPR contributor.
Should You Start Ford or Sampson This Week?
After Week 1’s disappointing outing, Ford must be left on fantasy benches moving forward. His inability to generate any meaningful production against Cincinnati raises serious questions about his viability as a fantasy asset, regardless of his snap count advantage.
MORE: Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
Given where fantasy managers drafted Sampson, combined with the overall health of the running back position through one week, it’s unlikely many managers need to start him in Week 2. However, his receiving usage and touch share suggest he could emerge as a viable PPR option if his role continues expanding.
Sampson is certainly startable as a flex option in PPR formats. His 100% catch rate and heavy target volume in passing situations provide a reliable floor that Ford cannot match.
It remains too early to draw definitive conclusions about Baltimore’s defense against receiving backs, but the early signs suggest opportunity for players like Sampson who can contribute through the air. If you are compelled to start a Browns running back, go with the rookie.
