The Browns head to Jacksonville on Sunday looking to get back on track against the 0-1 Jaguars. The Browns offense's performance at home against Dallas was terrible, as quarterback Deshaun Watson didn’t look comfortable all game.
The whole offensive operation was shaky, with multiple presnap penalties on a day that Cleveland will want to forget quickly. The Jaguars also only scored 17 points in their opening week loss to the Miami Dolphins on a day where they only had 267 yards of total offense. Though the Dolphins only scored 20 points, they were able to put up 400 yards of offense and have some nice fantasy, allowing Tyreek Hill to score 26 points against them while running back De’Vone Achane scored 23, respectfully. The Jaguars' defense has plenty of talent, but the Browns will have a chance to have a couple of players score well in fantasy this week.
Just like last week, the Browns' offensive success will hinge on Deshaun Watson getting more comfortable, and the offense line has to do a better job keeping him clean. The run game wasn’t horrible last week, but without the threat of throws further than five yards down the field, they couldn’t create any explosive plays on the ground. Jacksonville only allowed 81 yards on the ground last week, so Cleveland must get the passing game going for success this week, especially on the fantasy side.
Cleveland's top fantasy scorer last week was running back Jerome Ford, with 18.9 points. His ability as a pass catcher gives him solid value, especially in PPR leagues. The Browns only had one other non-quarterback skill player with double-digit fantasy points, with wide receiver Jerry Jeudy scoring 11.5 points against Dallas. If Watson can utilize the short passing game to get his playmakers the ball in space, they should find more success this week.
Start 'Em: Jerome Ford, RB
The third-year running back showed his fantasy value last week with nearly 20 points on a day when the offense as a whole was not very good. Dolphins running back De’Vone Achane did most of his damage against the Jaguars last week as a pass catcher. Ford isn’t as explosive or fast as Achane, but he is more than capable as a receiver. The offensive line didn’t pass protect well, but they did a decent job opening rushing lanes, and if the passing offense can get off the ground, Ford will score over 20 points; if he is on your fantasy roster, make sure you start him this week.
Sit 'Em: Deshaun Watson, QB
It may seem like low-hanging fruit, but right now, you shouldn’t start Deshaun Watson in fantasy after his 10.66-point performance against the Cowboys. He didn’t look comfortable at all in the offense, balled clean pockets, and invited far more pressure and sacks than he should have. During his best seasons in Houston, Watson held onto the ball but was able to use his legs to escape and create during the chaos, which he just can’t do right now. Watson is struggling to see the field well and couldn’t push the ball down the field with any success. Until he proves otherwise, Watson should remain on the bench.
Start 'Em: Jerry Jeudy, WR
Not only did Tyreek Hill score 26 points against the Jaguars, but his teammate Jaylen Waddle dropped 16.2 points. Jerry Jeudy had a solid debut, and Watson’s best throw of the day was for a touchdown to Jeudy in his Cleveland Browns debut. The Browns need to find easy answers and short passes to Jeudy to let him create with the ball in his hands is the way to go. He has the speed and explosiveness that hurt the Jaguars last week against the Dolphins, which makes him a great flex option on your fantasy team this week.
Sit 'Em: Jordan Akins, TE
Currently, veteran Jordan Akins is the only healthy tight end on the Browns' active roster, with David Njoku already ruled out of this week's game. Akins was effective in his role last week, but he only scored 5.7 points, and it isn’t likely he will have a breakout fantasy performance this week. Watson has chemistry with his old Texans teammate, but he struggled last year and hasn’t significantly impacted fantasy in a couple of years. Akins will likely have similar usage this week, and his deficiencies as a blocker will limit his snap count and, in turn, his fantasy score.
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