Should you trade for Nick Chubb? Week 5 trade advice and fantasy outlook for Browns RB
The latest Nick Chubb injury update is by far the most positive one we have received on the Cleveland Browns running back. Since missing nearly all of the 2023 NFL season with an MCL tear early in the year, the Browns have been left without Chubb's services, instead turning to Jerome Ford to lead the backfield.
Chubb started the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and missed the first four weeks. On Monday night, September 30, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that the franchise will be activating Chubb off the PUP list this week, opening the 21-day window for him to return to the active roster.
With the Browns RB set to return to the fold sooner rather than later, should you move quickly and send in a trade for Nick Chubb?
Should I trade for Nick Chubb
Yes, there's a lot of positivity around Chubb's return, especially considering the grueling year he has had.
In a QnA before the start of the story, Cabot highlighted the severity of Chubb's slate of injuries, saying:
"He had a torn MCL and medial capsule. He continues to make tremendous progress, and has amazed the Browns with his brave comeback. But there’s no rush to get him out there, and the Browns want him healthy for the long haul."
So here's what we know so far. Chubb has missed a year's worth of action. The Browns have one win in four. Deshaun Watson doesn't look remotely like the quarterback they traded for. And they probably won't contend for the playoffs this year with Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman leading the backfield.
Could they use Nick Chubb back as soon as possible? They sure could. Do they have reason to get him involved straight away in Week 5 against the Commanders? I'm not so sure.
This Commanders defense has not exactly been the epitome of a watertight run defense but even so, the Browns don't have any reason to give Chubb a lot of reps this week. And that's if he suits up against Washington.
The Browns will then face the Eagles, Bengals and Ravens in that order, and while the Eagles defense hasn't looked too stout, you'd expect Vic Fangio to iron out some mistakes sooner rather than later.
We highlight all that to say that if you trade for Nick Chubb right now in your leagues, you probably won't too many points until after their bye week. There are better running back options to trade for at the moment (think David Montgomery) than relying on Chubb even if he has appeal as a buy-low candidate. But if you decide to pull the trigger, make sure you check out Sportskeeda's Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer to make sure you get the better end of the deal.
Also read: Fantasy Football Buy Low Sell High Trade Targets for Week 5 feat. A.J. Brown, Austin Ekeler and more