The Cleveland Browns' inability to score 20 points offensively continued last week as they lost their fifth game in a row at home against their in-state rival Cincinnati Bengals. Now, they will take on the Baltimore Ravens at home with a new starting quarterback after Deshaun Watson ruptured his Achilles tendon in the first half against the Bengals. Watson struggled this season, and now they turn to veteran Jameis Winston in hopes that the offense can finally get things going, which would also mean more fantasy relevance for Browns players.
If Winston can do some of the little things right that Watson struggled at, like getting the ball out quickly and taking what the defense gives him, guys like David Njoku could see their fantasy value skyrocket. If there is one major difference between Watson and Winston, you know that Winston will want to push the ball downfield, giving more chances for big plays in the passing game. Here is this week’s Cleveland Browns fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em.
Start 'Em: TE David Njoku
Last week, we finally got to see the David Njoku we saw last season. He hauled in 10 receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown, good for 23.6 fantasy points. Throughout his career, quarterback Jameis Winston has favored his tight ends, especially in the red zone, as we saw last week, meaning Njoku has a big opportunity ahead of him this week. The Baltimore Ravens have given up the sixth most points to opposing tight ends in fantasy so far this year, making Njoku a prime start ‘em candidate this week.
Sit 'Em: RB Nick Chubb
It was awesome to see Nick Chubb back on the football field last week and back where he belongs when he found the endzone for a first-half touchdown. Overall, the Browns struggled to open many lanes for Chubb, and if he hadn’t found the endzone, it would have been an awful fantasy performance. Going into his second game, he will likely see more action than he did last week, but the Ravens defense is currently allowing the lowest yards per carry in the NFL this season. Chubb could find the endzone, which would be a decent flex option for your bye week replacement, but with the offensive line struggles and the matchup, it doesn’t seem like this is the week for Chubb to return to fantasy relevancy.
Start 'Em: QB Jameis Winston
The offense caught fire when veteran Joe Flacco came in last year running Kevin Stefanski's offense with a quick trigger and strong arm. Veteran Jameis Winston can do everything Flacco did with this offense and is just as talented as Flacco. He can run the play action scheme, push the ball vertically, and look for chances for big plays. It won’t be the typical bread-and-butter Stefanski offense with Ken Dorsey calling plays, meaning there will be a few tweaks, but Winston just fits what Stefanski likes to do. He will likely turn the ball over just like Flacco did last year, but his desire to go vertical could make him a good bye week spot starter if you need one this week.
Sit 'Em: K Dustin Hopkins
The Browns' offense should be better this week, which means Dustin Hopkins will finally get more opportunities. However, he has missed several kicks in the past few weeks, and that makes me weary of starting him this week. He only got a chance to kick twice last week and missed them both. After being automatic over 50 yards last season, he is 4/6 this season. I'm not sure why his struggles have increased lately, but for now, he shouldn’t be in your starting lineup until the offense proves they can give him more opportunities and that he can convert those chances.
Start 'Em: WR Cedric Tillman
After Amari Cooper's trade, the question was where the targets he normally commanded would go among the wide receivers who remained. Second-year pro Cedric Tillman had his first multi- reception game of the season, getting 12 targets and making eight receptions for 81 yards, including a 25-yard completion from this week’s starting quarterback Jameis Winston. Tillman has struggled during his first season and a half, but he has such a nice blend of size and athleticism, giving him so much upside. If Winston gets the offense going, there’s a good chance he will look for Tillman, who can surprise some with his long speed to create big plays.