Week nine saw a different offensive scheme for the Cleveland Browns being led by Freddie Kitchens.
Nick Chubb was heavily involved with 22 carries as Kitchens looked to establish the run early. However, the player who really came on for the Browns was Duke Johnson Jr. who was a stud. His play reminded us of what he did last year and why so many Browns fans have fallen in love with his play. Duke will likely play a prominent role again this week as they matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Atlanta has been susceptible to both the run and the pass this year. Against the pass they have finished in the top 10 twice, the rest of the year finishing behind 25. While against the run they have only finished as high as 15, while the rest of the year finishing around 20. Much like last week the Browns offensive will need to be aggressive to keep up with Atlanta.
Quarterback: Baker Mayfield – Start
Baker Mayfield is once again an easy start for fantasy. While coming up just short of 20 points he finishes as quarterback two once again for fantasy. He will have another good matchup this week, and much like last week will likely need to throw early and often to keep the Browns in the game.
Running backs: Nick Chubb – Start, Duke Johnson Jr. – Start
Chubb was by far the lead back and focal point of the offense last week. He will likely get 20 plus carries yet again against a poor run defense. I would expect another 60 yard plus game and a touchdown from Chubb again this week.
Duke finally returned for fantasy in week nine. He will likely get the chance to come through yet again as this game looks to be another shootout. He will be used heavily in the passing game and has a high probability to score at least once again this week.
Wide receivers: Jarvis Landry- Start, Antonio Callaway -Sit, Breshad Perriman – Sit, Damion Ratley – Sit
Jarvis Landry is the only receiver I can trust this week. While he hasn’t scored the past two weeks he is still getting a majority of the targets. Landry’s fantasy value comes from catches and yards, and he should be able to get both in this game.
Antonio Callaway is a long shot play for me this week. He has been improving slightly every week. With the Falcons secondary beat up the way that it is, as we’ve mentioned before he has the speed to get by people. Now it comes down to him catching it or Baker getting enough time to get it to him.
Tight end: David Njoku – Start
While it wasn’t a huge game from David Njoku we did get seven points from him in week nine, and well as bad as the tight end position is that’s good enough to finish as a top 15 tight end, just outside the top 12. Njoku should get some looks inside the red-zone this week. If he scores, he’ll make your day at tight end.
Cleveland Browns defense – Sit
While Cleveland’s defense has still be able to create turnovers they are being scored on and allowing yards like the Browns defenses of old. On top of that there is a strong chance Denzel Ward doesn’t play. If their best corner is out they likely will give up some points to one of the best wide receivers in the league in Julio Jones.
Continue to follow Full Press Coverage all season long for all of your Cleveland Browns and fantasy news and insights. If you have any other fantasy questions feel free to hit me up on twitter @SportsfanaticMB and of course as always Go Browns!
