For the first time since the two became teammates, Cleveland Browns running back Chris Ogbonnaya had more carries than running back Willis McGahee, possibly signaling a shift in the usage of the two backs going forward. The change didn't help the Browns, as they lost, 41-20, to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Chris Ogbonnaya provides more fantasy value than Willis McGahee
The Browns running backs appear to be well on their way to switching No. 1 and No. 2. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Ogbonnaya ran the ball eight times for 69 yards in the game, adding 30 receiving yards on six catches. He did lose one fumble, but his eight rushing attempts dwarfed the six of McGahee. The veteran running back only managed 13 yards on his rushes, with just 4 receiving yards on two receptions.
Fantasy impact: The team has expressed unhappiness with McGahee’s performance since he joined the Browns in Week 3. He has only 275 rushing yards through eight games, averaging barely over 2.5 yards per carry. Ogbonnaya, who has been with the Browns since 2011, has never been much of a playmaker, but he is a better pass catcher than McGahee, and at this point he can’t really be a worse rusher.
Any fantasy owners holding on to McGahee should feel free to drop him at this point. Ogbonnaya might be a little interesting in PPR leagues, but he’s unlikely to provide much value, either.
