It wasn’t the result that fans wanted to see in Denver last week, but it was a rollercoaster of fun for the offense and quarterback Jameis Winston. The Cleveland Browns head to Pittsburgh this week for their second matchup against the Steelers in two weeks after they beat their division rival at home in the first meeting. The Browns offense continued to look like a different group since Winston took over, scoring a season-high 32 points against the Broncos on Monday Night Football.
With the high scoring output, the Browns had impressive fantasy performances, led by wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who scored 40.5 points in his return to Denver after the team traded him to Cleveland this past offseason. It was a rollercoaster for Jameis Winston, who threw four touchdowns. Even though he had three interceptions, two of which were returned for defensive touchdowns, he scored 32.98 points. Those were the top two scoring performances in the NFL last week as the fantasy playoffs draw near. Tight end David Njoku also found himself in the top 10 scores last week with 26.2 points after snagging two touchdown passes from Winston.
Two weeks ago, when the Browns and Steelers met, in a game that turned into a snow game in the second half, Cleveland was led in scoring by running back Nick Chubb, who had 19 points after scoring a pair of touchdowns. Due largely to the weather, there weren’t many fireworks, but Jerry Jeudy had a productive game with 14.5 points and some impressive and clutch plays, helping the Browns snag a big victory.
The Pittsburgh forecast this week looks better than it did two weeks ago. Some light winds are expected, but nothing like the one in Cleveland, and they shouldn’t have a massive impact on the game.
Start 'Em: David Njoku, TE
The last time these two teams met, the Browns tight end David Njoku had a bad outing. He had one grab for nine yards and also caught a pass for a two-point conversion. But this is a favorable matchup for tight ends, with six different tight ends scoring double-digit points against the Steelers defense this year. Jameis Winston targeted Njoku 17 times last week against the Broncos, and it is becoming clear he wants to feed the tight end. There isn’t any reason to think that will change this week.
Sit 'Em: Nick Chubb, RB
Things continue to seem off for running back Nick Chubb, who just doesn’t have the explosiveness he had before the injury. You continue to see flashes, but behind an offensive line that is struggling to get a push up front, it is hard to depend on Chubb to break out in fantasy this week. He has scored double-digit points the past two weeks, but it has been entirely touchdown dependent, which is hard to rely on. Last week, he only had a total of 11 touches and had less than 50 yards from scrimmage. Pittsburgh’s defensive line is one of the better groups in the league, and it makes Chubb someone who should remain on the bench this week.
Start 'Em: Jerry Jeudy, WR
Watching wide receiver Jerry Jeudy over the past few weeks has been fun, as he has shown that he can be an offense's number-one target. He has given Winston an easy target, creating separation and picking up extra yards after the catch. Jeudy and Winston have been on the same page, and the quarterback has been putting the ball in places that allow his wide receiver to catch the ball in stride so that he can get those yards after the catch. Jeudy has scored double-digit points in five straight games, and with better weather this time, he should cause more problems for the Steelers secondary.
Sit 'Em: Jamies Winston, QB
When you start Jameis Winston as quarterback, you know that there will be plenty of good and plenty of bad. After throwing two pick-sixes a week ago, he is going against a Steelers defense that has only allowed two quarterbacks to score over 20 points against them all season. He will put up yardage, and the offense will move the ball, but the threat of turnovers makes him a risky play with the fantasy playoffs coming up.