Fantasy managers had probably moved Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford from their rosters heading into Week 8. However, Ford’s fantasy status has trended upward this week, seeing the back move from doubtful to questionable for today’s game vs. the Seattle Seahawks.
Ford has been a fantasy revelation this season and a waiver wire darling. Ford comes into Week 8 as the RB17, despite not being the starter for the first two games of the season and already serving his bye.
However, fantasy football managers will be wondering whether Ford will be playing today. And, if he does play, what is his fantasy outlook for this week?
Is Jerome Ford Going To Play Week 8?
Ford has been dealing with an ankle injury sustained during Week 7’s 39-38 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. As a result, Ford did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday.
However, Ford did practice on Friday in a limited capacity. There was some optimism that Ford would play this week, and his official status was changed from doubtful to questionable on Friday.
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However, there is some concern that Ford will not play today. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network posted on X on Saturday, “With Browns RB Jerome Ford questionable with an ankle injury, the team have elevated RB Jordan Wilkins to the active roster.”
This news tends to lead us to believe not everything is right with Ford and that he is likely to be a game-time decision for the Browns. Fantasy managers should proceed with caution as a result of this news.
Potential Fantasy Options if Ford Is Out Include Alexander Matterson and Gus Edwards
Ford is currently ranked as the RB62 in PFN’s Consensus Rankings. If Ford is healthy to go, which is more unlikely than likely at the time of writing, then it doesn’t seem like he will be the lead back in his usual role.
With the Browns having already had their bye week, I would expect them to proceed with caution and rest Ford for as long as possible, especially as they have already lost their lead back Nick Chubb to a season-long injury this season.
Therefore, fantasy managers should not risk Ford in their lineups and look at alternative options.
One such option for fantasy managers is Alexander Matterson. Matterson has not looked good at times this season and is currently the 10th-worst running back in Next Gen Stats rushing yards over expected stat with -23 rushing yards over expected.
MORE: Week 8 Fantasy Cheat Sheet
However, Mattison seems to be the clear No. 1 back in Minnesota and has a great matchup against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. The Packers are conceding 24 fantasy points per game to running backs, which is the third-worst in the NFL. Mattison is currently RB21 in PFN’s Consensus Rankings, which puts him in must-start territory this week.
Another option for fantasy managers is Gus Edwards. Edwards is currently on a committee with Justice Hill. However, last week, Edwards had all the running back carries inside the 10-yard line. He also had a larger snap share and had more carries.
This week, Edwards and the Ravens play the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals concede 23.5 fantasy points per game to running backs, which is currently the fourth-most in the NFL.
Edwards is currently RB22 in PFN’s Consensus Rankings. He also is a must-start option this week in all fantasy formats.
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