When the Cleveland Browns drafted Quinshon Judkins, they hoped the 22‑year‑old running back could become the centerpiece of a revamped ground attack. In his rookie season he posted 12.3 points per game in fantasy scoring and handled 79 % of the team’s rushing attempts, numbers that on the surface suggest a promising foundation.
Yet the optimism is tempered by a bleak surrounding environment. Analysts project the Browns’ offensive line as the league’s worst, and the team’s win total is expected to hover around 5.5, the third‑lowest figure in the NFL. That translates to a 31st‑ranked scoring offense, averaging just 1.8 touchdowns per game.
The Browns' Offensive Reality
Dwain McFarland, a noted fantasy analyst, has warned that Judkins must essentially duplicate the sophomore breakout that Nick Chubb enjoyed if he hopes to exceed his current average draft position. In other words, the running back is being treated as a ‘small hit, big miss’ prospect — high upside only if everything aligns perfectly.
Given the uncertainty, many fantasy managers are looking elsewhere for reliable backfield options. Names such as David Montgomery and D’Andre Swift are being favored over Judkins, precisely because they offer more stable upside in more favorable offensive contexts.
The conversation isn’t limited to running backs. Wide receivers like Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb and Amon‑Ra St. Brown, along with tight end George Kittle, are highlighted as players who can provide value later in drafts. At quarterback, Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff are both projected to surpass 4,000 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, making them attractive mid‑round options.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in Judkins hinges on whether a manager believes the Browns can surprise their projected win total and give the back enough touches to justify his ADP. Until that question is answered, the safest bets remain the more established playmakers across the league.