Fantasy Focus: Cleveland Browns Start and Sit for Week 1

It’s finally here week one of the NFL season and we are getting to go up against our heated rivals in the Pittsburgh Steelers. While we obviously want to see the Cleveland Browns pull off the huge win Sunday, we also want them to help us pull off wins in our fantasy leagues. Every week we will be putting out a start and sit article focused solely on the Browns. We let you know which of our favorite players should be in your lineup and who you should avoid.

Quarterback: Tyrod Taylor – Start

Tyrod Taylor has always been a consistent quarterback, with poor options around him. That has finally changed this season as he has multiple weapons around him. Todd Haley loves to call deep passes and utilize the play action pass, both of which are strengths of Tyrod. While the Steelers defense is still a top defense, Taylor will likely have to throw the ball to stay in the game, as long as he doesn’t turn it over he will likely be a top 15 option this week.

Running Backs: Carlos Hyde – Start, Duke Johnson Jr. – Start, Nick Chubb – Sit

Carlos Hyde will be the lead back here and with an improved offensive line and weapons on the outside that will get attention Hyde will have running lanes. While he will lose out on most receptions to Duke Johnson, Hyde will get the red zone looks as well. Hyde should also be a top 15 option this week.

Johnson will get a lot of looks in the passing game this week while also getting some rushes. If the Browns fall behind Duke’s value increases as he’ll be on the field more often. While he has tremendous upside his likely landing spot will be somewhere in the 20’s this week.

Wide Receivers: Jarvis Landry – Start, Antonio Callaway – Sit, Rashard Higgins – Start, Josh Gordon – Sit

Jarvis Landry is going to be the top option this week with Josh Gordon starting on the bench. Landry has proven in the past all he needs is the ball and he makes things happen. That was with Ryan Tannehill, he now has Tyrod a much better quarterback. Landry will likely be targeted early and often and will and should do work once he gets the ball.

Antonio Callaway is a sit for me this week, although he will be the number two I need to see what he can do against pro corners before I can trust him.

Rashard Higgins will be in the slot this week with Gordon starting on the bench. Higgins showed in the preseason he can do some damage in the slot. While he likely won’t finish in the top 24, Tyrod loves the middle and short areas of the field. If Higgins can get open he’ll get the ball in PPR leagues he’s a great flex option this week.

Gordon was the hardest decision for me. By far the most talented wide receiver on this roster we just don’t know how many plays he will be on the field. If you’re feeling lucky and want to go all upside go for it otherwise sit him this week.

Tight Ends: David Njoku – Start

David Njoku will be an easy start all season. Not many tight ends in the league are more talented than him and he will easily be the best option for the Browns in the red zone. As long as he is healthy Njoku is a top 10 option every week.

For more Browns news and fantasy advice stay locked in to Full Press Coverage. If you have any more questions on the Browns or fantasy always feel free to hit me up on twitter @SportsfanaticMB