After missing training camp this summer due to some legal trouble, Quinshon Judkins ($5,000) made his NFL debut in Week 2 vs. the Ravens. While the rookie was expected to see limited work, Judkins ended up leading the Browns with 10 carries for 61 yards and caught all three of his targets for 10 yards (10.1 FPTS). Judkins averaged an outstanding 6.1 YPC, and he forced three missed tackles.
While Judkins only logged 27% of the snaps, his 10 carries were 50% of the running back carries for Cleveland. The Browns lost this game 41-17 to Baltimore and one may assume that Judkins saw most of his volume in garbage time, but that wasn’t the case at all. Six of his 10 rushes came in the first half, and he was the only Browns running back to record a rush in the first quarter. As a receiver, Judkins only ran a route on 17% of his team’s dropbacks, but he garnered a target on 38% of his routes.
The Browns clearly view Judkins as their main running back and after getting his feet wet last week with 13 touches, he should be in line for 15-20 touches this Sunday vs. the Packers. This is a brutal spot with Green Bay giving up the second-fewest yards per rush this season (2.4) and Cleveland carrying a low 15.5-point implied team total on DraftKings Sportsbook. Judkins generated an elite 0.78 FPTS per touch in his NFL debut and the promising rookie having a strong fantasy showing is possible despite this ugly matchup.
Judkins is worth starting as a RB3/FLEX in season-long leagues. He also has appeal for DFS since he has an affordable $5,000 salary and most will avoid him with Green Bay on the other side.
