The Quinshon Judkins era kicked off last week, with the Cleveland Browns rookie making his NFL debut in the 41-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Despite the fact that he missed all of training camp and the preseason due to a legal issue, Judkins looked fantastic in his debut, ripping off 61 yards on 10 carries and catching three passes for 10 yards.
One week after that impressive showing, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Ohio State product will get the start against the Packers in Week 3 and is “ready for more of a work load.”
“The Browns plan to start rookie RB Quinshon Judkins today against the Packers, following an impressive debut against the Ravens,” Rapoport wrote. “Judkins, the second-rounder, averaged more than six yards per rush last week and is ready for more of a work load.”
This is really just a formality, as Judkins being the starter was always the plan for the Browns after he was taken with a second-round pick in April.
His performance last week only cemented his place atop the depth chart.
Fantasy football impact
After some uncertainty last week, Judkins is a fantasy football starting option in Week 3, if for no other reason than volume.
If the Browns gave him 13 touches in his very first game without training camp or a preseason, it’s fair to expect him to receive about 15 or more against the Packers.
But beware of the matchup since the Packers are currently giving up the fewest fantasy points per game to running backs this season. Even still, we’d consider Judkins a flex option.
As for Cleveland’s other backs, Dylan Sampson and Jerome Ford, neither one is a lineup option in Week 3. Sampson is probably the better bet as the handcuff.
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