Despite not wanting to get off to yet another slow start, the Bengals did just that against the Browns in Week 1. Thankfully for the Bengals, the Browns kicker couldn’t come through, so Joe Burrow and company won 13-12 in a game the Browns put up 327 offensive yards to the Bengals’ 141. Some of those yards came from rookie running back Dylan Sampson, who led the team in rushing yards and receptions and was just two yards off the receiving yards lead.

Neither Sampson or Jerome Ford could get much going on the ground, but Sampson’s usage in the receiving game was elite. He ended up ranking as RB9 in PPR leagues despite not scoring and not reaching 100 total yards. What he did do was catch all eight of his targets. Overall he had 20 touches for 93 yards and those coveted eight receptions.

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Below, we’ll go over Dylan Sampson’s outlook in fantasy football for Week 2.

Fantasy Football analysis: Browns, RB, Dylan Sampson

Sampson has already moved ahead of Jerome Ford as the lead back and fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins just signed and missed practice on Wednesday to meet with the league over his alleged domestic battery incident. I don’t think Sampson needs to worry about Judkins taking away too many snaps this week.

The Browns will face a Ravens team that just gave up a 15-point 4th quarter lead to Josh Allen and the Bills. I’d expect them to be ready to go at home for the team’s 30th anniversary festivities. But, that doesn’t negate the fact that Allen almost threw for 400 yards against them while throwing for two touchdowns and running for two more. And we’re not looking for the Browns to win this game, we just want Sampson to see as many check downs as possible, which this game sets up well for.

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Start or sit in Week 2 PPR leagues?

Start. As 11.5-point underdogs, I expect Joe Flacco and company are going to need to drop back to pass an absolute ton. That should filter down to Sampson after showing he was up for the task last week.

Start or sit in Week 2 standard leagues?

Start. He’s not as valuable in standard leagues, but if he comes near 20 touches again, he’s worth a flex for sure.