Posts Tagged ‘Cleveland Browns’

Fantasy Football 2024 Draft Guide

Round 1

Best Picks

  • The Detroit Lions and Amon-Ra St. Brown broke out in a big way last year, look for them to keep the momentum going.
  • Saquon Barkley’s move to Philadelphia means more trips to the red zone, but how many rushing touchdowns will Jalen Hurts sneak?

Worst Picks

  • The odds of Kyren Williams repeating the efficiency he showed last year are low, especially after the Rams drafted Blake Corum in the 3rd round.
  • There’s so much to love about Justin Jefferson, but will J.J. McCarthy be able to get him the ball when and where he needs?

Round 2

Best Picks

  • Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the most electric runners in the league already. If offseason rumors are true and he’s refined his route running, look out.
  • Even though Derrick Henry may be losing a step, he can still be lethal in this Ravens offense. Double-digit rushing touchdowns incoming.

Worst Picks

  • The talent is evident with Puca Nacua, but he did a lot of his damage with Cooper Kupp on the bench. A healthier Kupp demanding more targets this season could hurt Nacua’s stock.
  • Davante Adams finished last season with 6 less touchdown and 372 less receiving yards than he did the year before. Can he reverse the trend and justify a 2nd round pick?

Round 3

Best Picks

  • Josh Allen has been the highest scoring QB in fantasy football 3 times in the last 4 years. Despite losing his top receivers this offseason, he’s still one of the best options at the position.
  • Marvin Harrison Jr. finds himself in an ideal situation in Arizona. The team moved on from Marquise Brown and Rondale Moore in the offseason.

Worst Picks

  • Rachaad White had a surprisingly strong season with the Buccaneers last year despite averaging 3.6 yards per carry. Can he repeat this year?
  • Diminishing numbers in his 11th year in the league last season is a red flag for Travis Kelce.

Round 4

Best Picks

  • Once OC Joe Brady took over in Buffalo last year, James Cook saw an uptick in carries and proved that he could be their featured back.
  • C.J. Stroud was absolutely amazing in his rookie season, but Lamar Jackson has been performing at an elite level for a long time. This early in the draft consistency is more important than upside.

Worst Picks

  • De’Von Achane burst onto the scene last season. His eye-popping speed led to some incredible stat lines, but he also spent significant time on the IR. Will he stay healthy this year?
  • Nico Collins was amazing last season but newcomer Stefon Diggs could take away significant targets.

Round 5

Best Picks

  • Teammates Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel are neck and neck in projections, but Aiyuk seems the safer pick due to Deebo’s playstyle and injury history.
  • Kyler Murray and Trey McBride really found their rhythm towards the end of last season.

Worst Picks

  • No disrespect to Deebo Samuel, but as referenced earlier, his playstyle leads to questions about his durability.
  • A closer look at Kenneth Walker III’s metrics from last season are a cause for concern. ’23 2nd round pick Zach Charbonnet is also a looming threat for more carries.

Round 6

Best Picks

  • Joe Burrow’s stock has taken a hit after he missed 7 games last season. If he stays healthy he is one of the top options at his position.
  • Former Packer Aaron Jones averaged 4.6 yard per carry last season showing he’s still got it.

Worst Picks

  • Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle only had 4 receiving touchdowns last season and signed an extension this offseason making him one of the top-5 highest paid receivers in the league. Will the financial security make him complacent?
  • DJ Moore and Justin Fields showed amazing chemistry last season. The addition of Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze on top of the fact that rookie QB Caleb Williams is taking over makes it tough to project how Moore will fare. Buyer beware.

Round 7

Best Picks

  • Malik Nabers is far and away the best receiver on the Giants. Rookie receivers have had great success in the NFL recently, expect Nabers to continue the trend.
  • Dalton Kincaid could very well be Josh Allen’s go-to guy this year. Look for a spike in production.

Worst Picks

  • Last season was a major step back for Rhamondre Stevenson, averaging a full yard per carry less than the year before.
  • Former Jaguar Calvin Ridley had the worst catch rate among the top 40 targeted receivers last season at 55.9%. His move to Tennessee doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.

Round 8

Best Picks

  • His maturity may be a question mark but George Pickens’ talent is undeniable. The departures of Kenny Pickett and Diontae Johnson in the offseason bode well for his progression.
  • Amari Cooper is as consistent as they come and constantly overlooked. He’s a fringe WR2.

Worst Picks

  • If Kyle Pitts doesn’t break out with Kirk Cousins as his quarterback then just may never do it.
  • Touchdown magnet Mike Evans left only 2 receiving touchdowns for teammate Chris Godwin last season. Is there enough opportunity in Tampa Bay for both receivers to thrive?

Round 9

Best Picks

  • Najee Harris is a better running back than he gets credit for. The additions of Arthur Smith and Russell Wilson will help him take the next step.
  • Zamir White should have plenty of opportunity to establish himself as the lead guy in Las Vegas.

Worst Picks

  • Father time is undefeated as DeAndre Hopkins enters his 12th season in the NFL.
  • A possible suspension looms for Rashee Rice stemming from an arrest in March.

Round 10

Best Picks

  • The Commanders taking Jayden Daniels at #2 overall was the best thing to happen to Terry McLaurin in his career so far.
  • Zack Moss was surprisingly effective in relief of Jonathan Taylor last year in Indianapolis. He steps into a featured role in Cincinnati with the departure of Joe Mixon.

Worst Picks

  • Things couldn’t have gone much worse for #1 overall pick Bryce Young in Carolina last year. The addition of Diontae Johnson should help, but there’s still a long way to go.
  • There are serious concerns about how Nick Chubb will look returning from his catastrophic knee injury.

Round 11

Best Picks

  • Trevor Lawrence and Christian Kirk have shown amazing chemistry together, Kirk is the top option in Jacksonville.
  • If you decided to wait on taking a QB, Aaron Rodgers is a sneaky, high-upside pick here.

Worst Picks

  • Jordan Addison caught a surprising 10 touchdowns in his rookie year last season. A lot of those came when Justin Jefferson was on the bench injured. Throw in a rookie quarterback this year and regression seems imminent.
  • After missing 11 games in his first two seasons, boom or bust receiver Christian Watson finds himself in a crowded receivers room in Green Bay.

Round 12

Best Picks

  • Ladd McConkey has an opportunity to establish himself as WR1 in LA.
  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba went from a crowded receiver room at OSU to a similar situation with the Seahawks. Will he overtake Tyler Lockett as WR2 in Seattle this year?

Worst Picks

  • It’s easy to fall in love with Xavier Worthy’s record-setting speed, but he has a lot to prove.
  • Tyler Lockett had his worst season statistically since ’17. JSN’s continued emergence is cause for concern.

Round 13

Best Picks

  • As mentioned earlier, there are serious concerns about Nick Chubb’s return from injury. Jerome Ford held his own in relief last year and could have an extended run as the starter depending on how Chubb progresses.
  • The Steelers defense features the best edge rushing duo in the league. The offseason addition of Patrick Queen and a healthy Minkah Fitzpatrick has them stout on all levels.

Worst Picks

  • Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins both went from Baltimore to LA in the off-season, but the question of who gets more carries remains.
  • Jim Harbaugh has been busy since joining the Chargers. Justin Herbert has plenty of talent, but he also lost his top two receivers in the off-season.

Round 14

Best Picks

  • It’s a make or break year for the 12th overall pick in ‘22. Jameson Williams is set to take the next step.
  • Kyren William’s grip on the starting role may not be as tight as many think. Blake Corum is worth a roster spot this late.

Worst Picks

  • As mentioned earlier, the carry distribution between Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins remains a question.
  • Pat Freiermuth’s progression took a significant step back last year. Maybe the change at quarterback will get him back on track.

Round 15

Best Picks

  • Bengals running back Chase Brown flashed in his limited opportunities last year. Joe Mixon’s departure opens the door for more carries.
  • Is a change of scenery what was needed for former first round pick Jerry Jeudy to unlock his potential?

Worst Picks

  • Tyler Allgeier received a head-scratching amount of carries in comparison to teammate Bijan Robinson under coach Arthur Smith. Expect major regression with Raheem Morris in town.
  • Darnell Mooney hasn’t been relevant in fantasy football since ’21. Will his offseason move to Atlanta get him back on track?

Round 16

Best Picks

  • There is still hope that Trevor Lawrence can justify the Jaguars taking him #1 overall in ’21.
  • The Eagles defense is too talented to not be impactful in fantasy football.

Worst Picks

  • This is likely Deshaun Watson’s last opportunity in Cleveland to show that he’s still the same player he was in Houston.
  • Gabe Davis was a bit of a disappointment in Buffalo after he exploded for 201 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns in the Divisional Round against the Chiefs in ’21. Without Josh Allen as his quarterback it’s hard to envision things changing.

Week 17 Thursday Night Prop Bets – Jets vs. Browns

The Browns host the Jets tonight and Joe Flacco will really look to make New York regret not reaching out to him earlier this season when Aaron Rodgers went down.

Flacco has been an absolute savior for the Browns, going 3-1 in his 4 starts while filling in for the injured Deshaun Watson. The 38 year-old has been arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the entire league during that stretch, averaging 326 yards per game with 10 passing touchdowns.

Meanwhile, the Jets have gone from Zach Wilson, to Tim Boyle, back to Zach Wilson, and now put their faith in Trevor Siemian against the vaunted Browns defense.

The Browns are -7.5 point favorites tonight at home so let’s take a look at some promising player props.

Jets

Breece Hall 3+ Receptions

Currently at -550 on FanDuel, this is actually a conservative projection. As the primary running back, Hall has averaged 5.7 receptions in his last 10 games. I imagine Siemian will be under pressure all game from Myles Garrett and company and will look to get the ball out quickly and around the line of scrimmage. That plays perfectly for how the Jets have been utilizing Hall.

Garrett Wilson 40+ Yards Receiving

Currently at -220 on FanDuel. Garrett Wilson is an incredibly talented receiver but has no one to deliver him the ball on time and in space. Wilson has gone over the 40 yard mark in 4 out of his last 5 games and is the #1 option to stretch the field for New York.

Browns

Joe Flacco 225+ Passing Yards

Currently at -154 on FanDuel. In Flacco’s 1st start for Cleveland in Week 13 he threw for 254 yards in a loss against the Rams. He’s thrown for over 300 yards in the last 3 games after that with over 40 attempts in each. The Jets secondary is incredibly talented, but I predict that Flacco puts up solid yardage again due to sheer volume.

David Njoku 4+ Receptions

Currently at -490 on FanDuel. Flacco’s arrival has really unlocked tight end David Njoku’s potential. In his last 3 games, Njoku is averaging 80 yards and 7 receptions per game with 4 touchdowns.

Week 17 Rankings

Quarterbacks

RankPlayerTeamOpp
1.Jalen HurtsEaglesCardinals
2.Lamar JacksonRavensDolphins
3.Dak PrescottCowboysLions
4.Josh AllenBillsPatriots
5.Brock Purdy49ers@Commanders
6.Patrick MahomesChiefsBengals
7.C.J. StroudTexansTitans
8.Justin FieldsBearsFalcons
9.Kyler MurrayCardinals@Eagles
10. Matthew StaffordRams@Giants
11.Baker MayfieldBuccaneersSaints
12. Jordan LovePackers@Vikings
13. Jared GoffLions@Cowboys
14.Trevor LawrenceJaguarsPanthers
15.Nick MullensVikingsPackers
16.Jake BrowningBengals@Chiefs
17.Geno SmithSeahawksSteelers
18.Tua TagovailoaDolphins@Ravens
19.Derek CarrSaints@Buccaneers
20.Joe FlaccoBrownsJets
21.Jacoby BrissettCommanders49ers
22.Easton StickChargers@Broncos
23.Jarrett StidhamBroncosChargers
24.Will LevisTitans@Texans
25.Tyrod TaylorGiantsRams

Running Backs

RankPlayerTeamOpp
1.Christian McCaffery49ers@Commanders
2.Kyren WilliamsRams@Giants
3.Rachaad WhiteBuccaneersSaints
4.Alvin KamaraSaints@Buccanneers
5.Saquon BarkleyGiantsRams
6.James CookBillsPatriots
7.Jahmyr GibbsLions@Cowboys
8.Breece HallJets@Browns
9.Joe MixonBengals@Chiefs
10.Travis EtienneJaguarsPanthers
11.Josh JacobsRaiders@Colts
12.Isiah PachecoChiefsBengals
13.Jonathan TaylorColtsRaiders
14.Raheem MostertDolphins@Ravens
15.Bijan RobinsonFalcons@Bears
16.Austin EkelerChargers@Broncos
17.Kenneth WalkerSeahawksSteelers
18.Derrick HenryTitans@Texans
19.Tony PollardCowboysLions
20.D’Andre SwiftEaglesCardinals
21.Aaron JonesPackers@Vikings
22.James ConnorCardinals@Eagles
23.Jaylen WarrenSteelers@Seahawks
24.David MontgomeryLions@Cowboys
25.De’Von AchaneDolphins@Ravens

Wide Receivers

RankPlayerTeamOpp
1.Ceedee LambCowboysLions
2.Amon-Ra St. BrownLions@Cowboys
3.Tyreek HillDolphins@Ravens
4.Justin JeffersonVikingsPackers
5.A.J. BrownEaglesCardinals
6.Deebo Samuel49ers@Commanders
7.Mike EvansBuccaneersSaints
8.Chris OlaveSaints@Buccaneers
9.Puka NacuaRams@Giants
10Keenan AllenChargers@Broncos
11.Rashee RiceChiefsBengals
12.Nico CollinsTexansTitans
13.Michael PittmanColtsRaiders
14.Stefon DiggsBillsPatriots
15.Davante AdamsRaiders@Colts
16.Ja’Marr ChaseBengals@Chiefs
17.DK MetcalfSeahawksSteelers
18.Brandon Aiyuk49ers@Commanders
19.Cooper KuppRams@Giants
20.Amari CooperBrownsJets
21.D.J. MooreBearsFalcons
22.DeVonta SmithEaglesCardinals
23.Garrett WilsonJets@Browns
24.Chris GodwinBuccaneersSaints
25.Calvin RidleyJaguarsPanthers

Tight Ends

RankPlayerTeamOpp
1.Travis KelceChiefsBengals
2.Trey McBrideCardinals@Eagles
3.Sam LaPortaLions@Cowboys
4.George Kittle49ers@Commanders
5.David NjokuBrownsJets
6.Evan EngramJaguarsPanthers
7.Jake FergusonCowboysLions
8.Isaiah LikelyRavensDolphins
9.Darren WallerGiantsRams
10.Dalton SchultzTexansTitans
11.Dallas GoedartEaglesCardinals
12.Cole KmetBearsFalcons
13.Kyle PittsFalcons@Bears
14.Chigoziem OkonkwoTitans@Texans
15.Tucker KraftPackers@Vikings
16.Hunter HenryPatriots@Bills
17.Gerald EverettChargers@Broncos
18.Logan ThomasCommanders49ers
19.Dalton KincaidBillsPatriots
20.Tyler ConklinJets@Browns
21.Juwan JohnsonSaints@Buccaneers
22.Cade OttonBuccaneersSaints
23.Tyler HigbeeRams@Giants
24.Michael MayerRaiders@Colts
25.Jonnu SmithFalcons@Bears

Defense

RankTeamOpp
1.BrownsJets
2.BillsPatriots
3.49ers@Commanders
4.Falcons@Bears
5.ColtsRaiders
6.BearsFalcons
7.Rams@Giants
8.Jets@Browns
9.JaguarsPanthers
10.Raiders@Colts
11.Chargers@Broncos
12.ChiefsBengals
13.BroncosChargers
14.Chargers@Broncos
15.EaglesCardinals
16.SeahawksSteelers
17.TexansTitans
18.VikingsPackers
19.Steelers@Seahawks
20.RavensDolphins

Pros and Cons of New Cleveland Head Coach Rob Chudzinski

130111-rob-chudzinski-cp

Pro: Offensive Aptitude

The man knows a thing or two about the tight end position. Chudzinski, also known as “Chud”, won two national championships during his time at the University of Miami where he was the starting tight end for three years. He returned to his alma mater as a tight ends coach where helped develop Bubba Franks, Jeremy Shockey, and Kellen Winslow II over an eight year span.

Chud has coached tight ends in the NFL for five years with the Cleveland Browns and the San Diego Chargers.

For the past two seasons Chud was the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers. During his first season in Carolina he transformed a bleak, ineffective offense into a juggernaut.

His Panthers boasted the seventh overall offense in the league, as well as ranking fifth in points scored, and setting a franchise record for total yards. Having Offensive Rookie of the Year, Cam Newton, as his starting quarterback may have had something to do with that.

To say that the dude knows a thing or two about running an offense is an understatement. Chud has been at it for nearly two decades. His ten years in college football and nine years in the NFL must have enticed Jimmy Haslam and company.

Con: Lack of experience as Head Coach

After nine years in the NFL, this is Chud’s first head coaching gig. Former Cleveland head coach Pat Shurmur, provides an example of the difficult transition between offensive coordinator and head coach.

The Harbaugh brothers have recently set a high standard for first time head coaches in the NFL; however, it is unreasonable to expect that same level of production from others such as Chudzinski.

Pro: Experience with Browns

New+York+Jets+v+Cleveland+Browns+fKtm2HYYhJ2lChudzinski was born and raised a Cleveland Browns fan in Toledo, Ohio.

“My cousins and I, … we wanted to be in that stadium, in the Dog Pound so bad that we would watch games in December out in the snow, said Chudzinski. We’d flip the TV around in the window, and that was (like) us being there, being in the stands and being part of that.”

This will be his third stint with the Browns.  In 2007, as offensive coordinator, he took an ineffective offense to new heights, much like he did in Carolina. The team finished eighth in the league in total offense and featured five offensive Pro Bowl members: Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow II, Josh Cribbs, and Joe Thomas.

Cribbs’ future with the team remains unclear, but Joe Thomas remains on the roster. If Chud can utilize Brandon Weeden’s rocket of an arm like he did with Anderson, combined with the deep threat ability of Josh Gordon like he did with Braylon Edwards, Cleveland fans will be in for a real treat.

Chudzinski has had success with athletic tight ends like Winslow in Cleveland and at the University of Miami as well as Antonio Gates in San Diego. Gates is a converted basketball player from Kent State who shares a few similarities with Cleveland’s tight end Jordan Cameron who also played basketball in college. Perhaps Chud can propel Cameron to new heights.

Con: The Cleveland Brown’s 2008 Season

As encouraging as the success of the ‘07 campaign under Chudzinski was, 2008 proved equally agonizing. So bad, in fact, that the new management in place decided to part ways with Chud after the season.

The Brown’s offense fell from the top ten overall in ‘07 to twenty fourth in the league in points per game and twenty fifth in yards per game in ’08.

Chudzinski wasn’t solely responsible for the meltdown, many different factors contributed to Cleveland’s regression. Nonetheless, his departure was hardly protested by fans.

Baltimore Ravens v San Diego Chargers

Pro: Coaching Staff

One consolation of Cleveland fans who opposed the hiring of Chudzinski is the rest of the coaching staff in place.

The Browns recently signed Ray Horton as their defensive coordinator. His name was buzzing around rumor mills as teams searched for new head coaches this offseason. Horton felt betrayed when he wasn’t upgraded from defensive coordinator to head coach by the Arizona Cardinals this offseason, so he decided to accept the defensive coordinator position with Cleveland.

Horton comes with experience in the AFC North. He spent seven years coaching the secondary of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2004-2010.

Norv Turner joins Chudzinski again in Cleveland, but this time, Chud is running the show. Most recently, Chudzinski served as the assistant head coach to Turner in San Diego.

If Chudzinski ever finds himself overwhelmed during his first attempt at coaching, he need to look no further than Turner and his fifteen years of NFL experience for advice.

Con: His nickname is ‘Chud’

Before the hiring of Chudzinksi, fans were teased with rumors of “sexy” name head coaching candidates such as Nick Saban, Chip Kelly, Ken Wisenhunt, Bruce Arians and others.

Chud’s nickname and reputation are about as sexy as Miley Cyrus’ new haircut. One ESPN analyst recently said that Haslam and Banner promised steak, but came back with Spam.

Every head coach needs an opportunity to build a reputation for himself. The accolades which make certain candidates so enticing are not just given, they are earned. Perhaps Chud’s current position as Cleveland’s head coach will serve as a launching pad to bolster his reputation.