Kareem Hunt

The Clevland Browns will be without breakout RB performer Jerome Ford in week 8. After breaking out for a 69yd TD to kick off the scoring this past Sunday Jerome Ford would exit the game later and not return. His injury has been called a “low grade, high ankle” sprain and is expected to sideline him for at least 1 week, but possibly 2.

The injury left the Browns thin at the RB position as veteran RB Kareem Hunt came into the game with a questionable tag but managed to play. Second year RB Pierre Strong Jr who was acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots was the main beneficiary of the Ford injury. Pierre Strong out-touched Kareem Hunt 8-5 and had a higher snap share 63%-34% after Ford exited the game.

Although Pierre Strong led the Browns backfield in usage rate statics after Ford left the game, it was Kareem Hunt who got home with 2TDs in the game.  Hunt also received the only other target out the backfield outside of Jerome Ford. Hunt was a game time decision with a thigh injury, which could explain his limited usage but it is clear that the Browns wanted to give him the high leverage touches in Fords absence. Hunt scored the game winning TD for the Browns and is expected to be the clear top RB with Ford out. Pierre Strong’s usage can not be ignored though. While RB needy fantasy managers are scrambling to aquire Hunt, the cheaper low-risk high-reward play is to acquire Pierre Strong. The Browns have always had enough touches in this offense to make 2 RBs fantasy relevant. With Hunt being older and already banged up Pierre Strong will be a week winning RB if anything were to limit Hunt the next two weeks.