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.