The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Browns could be steals in fantasy football
Sports Editor Mark Podolski contends there could be as many as nine Browns whom you should consider drafting in your fantasy football league this year, arguing the value case for each.
A year ago at this time, there weren’t many options for Browns fans hoping for the fun of a hometown player on their fantasy roster.
That could change in 2018. There are potentially as many as nine Browns players worth owning in various types of fantasy leagues. Here’s a breakdown:
TYROD TAYLOR, QB » Coach Hue Jackson insists Taylor is the team’s starter — at least for now. As long as Taylor is the No. 1 QB, he’s a solid QB2 option for a fantasy owner. Taylor’s greatest strength is as a runner with 1,711 yards and 15 touchdowns the last three seasons. BAKER MAYFIELD, QB » The No. 1 overall pick of the 2017 draft looked solid in his preseason debut, but with great QB value in fantasy, Mayfield isn’t worth a draft pick unless it’s a dynasty league. In that case,
grab Mayfield quickly.
CARLOS HYDE, RB » Hyde averaged 229 carries the past two seasons and played in all 16 games with the 49ers for the first time in his four-year career. He’s yet to post a 1,000-yard season, but in 2017 Hyde emerged as a receiver with 59 receptions. It’s a crowded backfield in Cleveland, so target Hyde as a low-end RB2.
NICK CHUBB, RB » Chubb and Hyde could form a solid 1-2 attack at running back with Chubb (at 225 pounds) the bruiser. That makes him a strong candidate to be the Browns’ back
at the goal line. A wait-andsee approach might be the best option with Chubb, but right now he’s a flex option with upside.
DUKE JOHNSON, RB » Johnson is worth a roster spot in point-per-receptions leagues. He’s averaged 63 receptions his first three seasons and had a career 74 in 2018 with the likes of DeShone Kizer and Cody Kessler throwing to him. Johnson is an RB4 option with the potential to sneak into flex range during bye weeks, and potentially even better than that. JARVIS LANDRY, WR » Landry isn’t a big-play performer (he’s averaged 10 yards per catch in four seasons), but he’s a must-get in PPR leagues. He’s averaged 100 catches per season, including 112 in 2018. Target Landry as a solid WR2.
JOSH GORDON, WR » It’s simple with Gordon: Buyer beware. The talent is there (1,646 yards in 2013), but that was five years ago. Fantasy owners who risk it by drafting Gordon need a backup plan, but the riskreward factor with him could shift the balance of power in many leagues in 2018 — if Gordon returns to 2013 form. What round to target Gordon is the big question. The best advice is to hold your league’s draft as close to the start of the regular season as possible. The Gordon fantasy situation needs more clarity. ANTONIO CALLAWAY, WR » Callaway will be a popular sleeper pick on draft day, but he already has one strike against him with his recent arrest. Like Mayfield, Callaway is a stronger candidate for dynasty leagues. In standard leagues, he’s worth a stash on a roster with a potential payoff later in the season, or if Gordon’s status remains a question mark.
DAVID NJOKU, TE » He struggled with consistency last season as a rookie but still had 32 receptions and four TDs in five starts while playing in all 16 games. Taylor loved going to his tight end during his time in Buffalo, so it’s reasonable to expect a bump in Njoku’s production in Year 2. At 6-foot-4, he will also be an ideal target in the red zone. After the likes of top fantasy tight ends such as Rob Gronkowski, Zach Ertz and Travis Kelce, the group is a crapshoot. Njoku caught two TDs in the Browns’ first preseason game, so the potential for a breakout season is there. Target him as a TE1.