Jerome Ford, RB, Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford won’t be a reliable weekly option this season, and he’ll be even less useful when Nick Chubb returns to the lineup. However, he should have plenty of work to do in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Browns have serious problems at the offensive tackle position and Dallas’ pass rush remains dangerous. Cleveland should look to counter with plenty of running against a defense that ranked just 15th in yards per carry allowed last season.

D’Onta Foreman is a threat to steal red zone work, so Ford is a mid-range flexible option at best. However, his PPR minimum (44 receptions in 2023) is high enough to warrant a start in deeper leagues.

Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Green Bay Packers

How quickly will the Philadelphia Eagles’ new secondary take shape in 2024? That’s the big question Green Bay Packers pass-catching managers should be asking themselves this week.

The reality is, we don’t know. Philly’s defense should be better than it was a year ago (31st in passing yards allowed) thanks to an influx of DBs and the hiring of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. However, the Eagles didn’t use their starters at all in the preseason, so there could be teething issues.

Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks is worth taking a shot at in deeper leagues this week. The Virginia product proved to be a potent pass receiver as a rookie (581 yards, 4 TDs) and there’s a good chance he develops into one of Jordan Love’s preferred targets in 2024.

This week, the Eagles will likely focus on slowing down Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed and Luke Musgrave, which will create opportunities for Wicks.