It was a struggle last week as the Cleveland Browns only managed to score one touchdown in their loss at home to the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. After three more interceptions from Jameis Winston, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski decided he would go to second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson as the team’s starter against the Cincinnati Bengals this week.
Jerry Jeudy continued his hot streak with another 20-point performance against the Chiefs, which moved him into 11th place among wide receivers in fantasy this year. Jerome Ford was the only other player to break double digits against Kansas City in one of the worst offensive outputs since Jameis Winston took over as quarterback.
For the first time in his career, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy crossed the magic 1,000-yardage mark on the season. He leads the Browns in fantasy scoring this year with 203.2 points, averaging 14.5 per game, and has scored double-digit points in seven straight games. Tight end David Njoku comes in second, followed by the now-benched Jameis Winston with both players having a little over 130 points on the season. Jerome Ford broke into triple digits last week with 107.7 points on the season with his big touchdown run.
Sit 'Em: Browns D/ST
Last week against the Chiefs, the Browns' defense played well; the 21 points scored against them were aided by some mistakes and tough situations they were put in because of the offense. But if you are looking to advance in the fantasy playoffs, you might want to avoid starting the Browns defense because of how well the Bengals offense has been playing. They have scored at least 27 points in their last six games and will be at home. The Browns have played well historically against Joe Burrow and the Bengals under Kevin Stefanski but it is too risky of a play this week.
Start 'Em: Jerry Jeudy, WR
Things will change offensively this week with the quarterback change, but Jerry Jeudy is playing so well right now that he is still a solid FLEX option. He has been running great routes and creating after the catch and will be a reliable option for the young quarterback. Jeudy has done a great job creating yardage after the catch, and with a DTR at quarterback, getting the ball out of his hands quickly will be a priority. The Bengals' defense has struggled this year, and the Browns should be able to put Jeudy in a favorable position to perform well again this week.
Sit 'Em: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB
With the season lost a while ago, the Browns have decided to get a better look at their second-year quarterback as they look to see what he can do for the future. When DTR has played it hasn’t gone great and relied on his running ability far more than his ability to throw. DTR has looked uncomfortable in the pocket and needs to find a way to settle in. Trey Hendrickson will be looking to make sure that he isn’t able to do that this week. Until the young signal caller shows he can step up to the challenge, he should not be in your starting lineup for the fantasy playoffs.
Start 'Em: Jerome Ford, RB
Nick Chubb suffered another season-ending injury last week, meaning the full workload in the backfield will be back on Jerome Ford this week. It has been an up-and-down year for Ford in terms of the volume of touches, but his explosive touchdown last week reminds you of what he can do at his best. He has good vision, and when he finds the open lane, he has the acceleration and speed to create big plays. The Bengals are allowing 4.4 yards per rush this year, and Ford has the added threat of being a pass catcher out of the backfield, which is a nice FLEX option this week.
Sit 'Em: David Njoku, TE
The star tight end missed last week with a hamstring injury that also held him out of practice on Wednesday. Adding to the uncertainty of how the new quarterback will play, it becomes a risky play to have David Njoku in your lineup against the Bengals. Njoku has missed time this year but is still the number 10 fantasy tight end scorer this year, so if you are desperate and he is healthy, his ability in the red zone does provide some value.