Fantasy Football Rankings 2018: Top 5 rookie running backs to target

3. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns

Current ADP: 134.7

Like many of the names already mentioned, Nick Chubb has a problem heading into 2018. There are too many mouths to feed in the Cleveland Browns backfield. With that said, Chubb’s situation seems to be one that could eventually take a turn for the better.

Sure, finding carries alongside Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson won’t be easy. Hyde has looked great during the preseason, and the Browns didn’t give Johnson a raise this offseason to reduce his role in the offense. With that said, there are a couple of things playing into the rookie’s favor.

The first is that Hyde is a rather injury-prone running back. He could never consistently stay on the field during his days with the San Francisco 49ers. There’s a good chance that’ll continue to be the case with the Browns. Hyde will also be sharing touches with Chubb to start the season, and could cede the starting role to him completely if he goes down for more than a week or two.

As for Johnson, he’s the receiving back. That won’t change anytime soon, but it also means he shouldn’t cut too much into the early-down work. Chubb’s battle should remain against Hyde when it comes to earning those touches.

On top of everything else, Chubb is just a tremendous runner. We saw glimpses of his explosive potential during the preseason. Before long, the Browns will be forced to get him on the field as often as possible. When that happens, fantasy owners will be rewarded for their patience.