Quinshon Judkins Adds the One Thing That Was Missing

What They're Saying

Lions HC Dan Campbell, ahead of Sunday's meeting: "You can tell he's getting better. ... You can tell his confidence is growing. The O-line likes him over there, and he's getting better and better. And I'm sure they're gonna want to give him the ball and let him go. So he's a young, promising player in this league, and he's only going to get better, too."

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

Campbell was right. Judkins' 21 carries beat the 19 Josh Jacobs got in a 14-point Week 1 victory over the Lions, as well as the 19 total carries for Bears RBs in Week 2 and Derrick Henry's 12 in Week 3.

Judkins' 82 yards also mark the high for a RB against Detroit so far this season.

This marked the second straight game in which Judkins led Cleveland's backfield in playing time. He gained some distance on No. 2 Jerome Ford, including a bigger edge in routes: 14-10 vs. 14-13 the previous week.

Dylan Sampson did climb as well, from three routes to seven. That likely came more directly from Ford's bank. But we'll take Judkins as the clear backfield leader, regardless of the details behind him. And it's worth remembering this was still just his third pro outing. Also, Ford and Sampson garnered just a carry apiece and combined for 1 reception among three targets.

The Browns get a challenging Minnesota defense in Week 5. But that D entered Sunday ranked just 15th in rush DVOA and then allowed two ground scores to Kenneth Gainwell.

Judkins is looking like a player you should just start in all matchups going forward.

The unclear -- and likely evolving -- split between Ford and Sampson behind him makes neither particularly interesting as a handcuff stash. You can roster either in a deeper league, but don't put either guy on your "can't cut" list.