👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

2016 Fantasy Football Team Outlook - Cleveland Browns

This article continues our team outlook series where we will break down each NFL team from a fantasy football perspective. We will cover the major changes on each roster from this offseason and project what the team will do in the upcoming year. Today we take a look at the Cleveland Browns.

Behold, the barren fantasy wasteland that was the 2015 Cleveland Browns. Last year, the Browns were one of the least useful NFL teams from a fantasy perspective. That should change this year with (another) new coaching regime in place and a brand new analytics-based front office. Will it all work? No one is quite sure, but it is a fact that with Hue Jackson and company in town the Browns have one of the best coaching staffs they've had since returning to the league in 1999. Whether it translates to fantasy success is the true question and what we are going to take a look at here.

Editor's Note: Purchase a full season NFL Premium Pass (including Draft Kit + DFS Premium), and also get MLB Premium + DFS for free through October. Premium DFS lineup picks, expert lineups, tools and more - seven days a week. You can see screenshots of our NFL Premium and MLB Premium and DFS tools. What are you waiting for?

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Quarterback

On a team where the preseason quarterback battles have sometimes been the most riveting part of the season, the Browns changed tradition by holding an extremely quiet quarterback competition and making a decision well before the first preseason game. Robert Griffin III will be calling the shots for the Browns as he attempts to resuscitate his career after being glued to the bench for Washington last season. It remains to be seen whether Griffin can return to the dominance he showed as a rookie in 2012 as injuries have mounted and his development stalled while with the Redskins. Griffin does have a few things working in his favor. Hue Jackson is an extremely experienced coach, having coached every offensive position group except offensive line and widely being regarded as a skilled coach of quarterbacks. Griffin also has a bevy of pass-catching weapons at his disposal including Corey Coleman, Josh Gordon, Terrelle Pryor, Gary Barnidge, and Duke Johnson. He also has rushing upside, which can mask a lot of quarterback flaws from a fantasy perspective. Griffin shouldn't be drafted standard season-long leagues but he may end up being a useful streamer for those who like to wait on quarterbacks. That being said, his true value is in dynasty leagues where he should be rostered, and as a QB2 in two-quarterback leagues.

 

Running Backs

The arrival of Hue Jackson gives the team's running backs some cause for optimism as Jackson has been a run-heavy coach in the past. This is another position without much mystery as fantasy owners should already have a good idea for how the work will be divvied up in 2016. Expect Isaiah Crowell to be the team's "starter" and handle carries on first and second downs along with goal line work. Crowell has been a heralded talent at the running back position since his days as a high school player but has yet to put it all together in the NFL. Keep in mind Jackson coaxed a career-year from Darren McFadden in his time as Oakland's head coach. Crowell is rather cheap in drafts and could have a career year if he's finally able to reach his potential. Duke Johnson, on the other hand, will be the team's third-down running back. Johnson is an extremely gifted pass-catcher and has a chance to catch a lot of passes this season. He's a great target in PPR leagues, especially for owners who take the zero RB approach. Expect big things from the second-year back.

 

Wide Receivers

My, what a difference a year makes. Last season the Browns had arguably the worst receiving corps in the league. This year they have an explosive, proven talent in Josh Gordon, a star rookie who looks like he's the real deal in Corey Coleman, and a freak athlete still trying to learn the position in Terrelle Pryor. Coleman has been earning rave reviews all training camp and is shaping up as a draft day deal, going in the ninth round in standard 12-team leagues. Keep in mind he will have the first four games of the season as the team's unquestioned top target while Gordon is serving his suspension. While we are on the subject, Josh Gordon can do things very few receivers can do when he's on the field. In case you forgot, in the 2013 season Gordon caught 87 balls for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns in 14 games. The problem is keeping him on the field. He will first be eligible to return to action in Week 5 and is shaping up as a high-upside, high-risk pick. He is currently going in the sixth round in standard league drafts, so forget about getting a deal on him. Terrelle Pryor has been earning praise for his work in camp and is being listed as the team's number two receiver at the time. That is certain to change once Gordon comes back, but Pryor is shaping up as a very interesting dynasty asset. As mentioned above, Hue Jackson is known as a run-first coach. Don't let that scare you off of the Browns' passing game as the team will likely be behind in many games and will be forced to throw often as a result.

 

Tight Ends

Gary Barnidge was an unknown quantity at this time last year, having caught just 44 passes in his six seasons before 2015. Barnidge exploded on the scene in 2015, emerging as the team's top target in the passing game as he caught 79 passes for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns. There is some concern about his ability to repeat last year's numbers as he will have much more competition for targets this season. Barnidge was mostly utilized last year to move the chains and as the team's top red zone target. Expect some regression, although he should still be a low-end TE1 this season. He's coming off the board in the ninth round as the 10th tight end selected which is shaping up as a solid value.

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Can Jacory Croskey-Merritt Emerge as the Clear RB1 in Washington?
Lamar Jackson

Looking for Return to Full Health in 2026
Sean Tucker

Remains Buried on Buccaneers' Running Back Depth Chart
Jake Tonges

Appears Likely to Enter 2026 Atop 49ers' Tight End Depth Chart
NFL

Can Ja'Kobi Lane Carve Out a Fantasy-Relevant Role as a Rookie?
Chig Okonkwo

Instantly Jumping to Fantasy Relevance in Washington?
Aaron Jones Sr.

Set for Familiar Role in 2026?
Brandon Aiyuk

a Buy-Low Candidate in Dynasty Leagues?
Romeo Doubs

the New No. 1 Target in New England?
Daniel Jones

a QB1 if Ready for Season Opener?
Jacob deGrom

Scratched From Saturday's Start Due to Neck Stiffness
Jeferson Quero

Brewers Calling Up Catching Prospect Jeferson Quero
Josh Allen

Still the Top Dog at QB in Fantasy
Jared Goff

Should Have Safe Floor as QB1 Again Under New Offensive Coordinator
Jacoby Brissett

Will Jacoby Brissett be on the Streaming Radar Again in 2026?
NFL

Kaytron Allen Should Attract Plenty of Interest in 2026 NFL Draft
NFL

Makai Lemon a Polarizing Receiver Prospect Heading into This Year's Draft
David Pastrnak

Riding 11-Game Point Streak
John Gibson

Gets Back on Track Friday
J.T. Miller

Bags Three Points Against Blackhawks
Tage Thompson

Picks Up 400th Career Point
Patrick Kane

Collects Two Points in Friday's Win
Nick Lardis

Pots Another Goal Friday Night
Shayne Gostisbehere

Could Be an Option Saturday
Nique Clifford

Could Return Saturday
Marcus Sasser

Probable Saturday
Caris LeVert

on Track to Return Saturday
Deyvison De Los Santos

Marlins Promote Deyvison De Los Santos to Major Leagues
Duncan Robinson

Listed as Questionable for Saturday
Ayo Dosunmu

Questionable to Play Saturday
Myles Turner

Iffy for Saturday
Kyle Kuzma

Questionable Saturday
Moritz Seider

Assists on Two Goals Against the Sabres
Shea Langeliers

Hits Two Home Runs on Opening Day
Kevin Gausman

Picks Up No-Decision But Strikes Out 11 on Opening Day
Mac Jones

Boosts his Dynasty Stock With Solid First Year in San Fran
Alex DeBrincat

Picks Up Three Points Versus Buffalo
Bobby Portis

May Miss Another Game Saturday
Tez Johnson

Could be Buried on the Depth Chart Again in Sophomore Season
Kevin Porter Jr.

Unavailable Against Spurs
Ka'imi Fairbairn

One of the NFL's Best Kickers Heading into His 10th Season
De'Aaron Fox

to Return to Action Saturday
Isaiah Jackson

Exits Early Friday
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Ready to Return Saturday
Michael Penix Jr.

Falcons Think Michael Penix Jr. Will be Healthy "At Some Point" in Training Camp
Al Horford

to Be Re-Evaluated in One Week
Vít Krejčí

Vit Krejci Remains Sidelined Friday
Robert Williams III

Will Suit Up Friday
Khris Middleton

Sits Out Friday's Game
Tre Johnson

Back From Three-Game Absence Friday
Isiah Pacheco

Can Isiah Pacheco Bounce Back in RB2 Role in Detroit?
Jarace Walker

Won't Return Friday
Tristan Vukcevic

Active Friday Night
Tanner Bibee

Day-to-Day, Could Make his Next Start
Alexandre Sarr

Returns to Action Friday
Ausar Thompson

Questionable Against Minnesota
Nnamdi Madubuike

Optimism That Nnamdi Madubuike Will Return From Neck Injury
Dylan Garand

Starts Friday
Noah Ostlund

Won't Play Friday
Connor Zary

Returns to Practice
Samuel Honzek

Won't Return This Season
Damon Severson

Labeled Week-to-Week
Sam Steel

Leaves Road Trip Due to Injury
Mikko Rantanen

Could Return Saturday
Shane Baz

Orioles Agree to Five-Year Extension
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Making Season Debut on Friday Against Angels
Tiger Woods

Involved In Rollover Car Crash
Tanner Bibee

Shoulder Issue Not Considered Serious
Barrett Hayton

Out Week-to-Week
Tony DeAngelo

to Miss 1-2 Weeks
Sam Steel

Makes Early Exit Against Islanders
Damon Severson

Exits With Upper-Body Injury Thursday
Joe Pyfer

Set For UFC Seattle Main Event
Yaroslav Askarov

Suffers New Injury Blow
Israel Adesanya

Returns At UFC Seattle
Maycee Barber

Looks To Extend Her Win Streak To Eight
Alexa Grasso

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Dominic Canzone

a Top Pickup After Two-Homer Game
Niko Price

In Dire Need Of Victory
Michael Chiesa

Set For Retirement Fight
Chase DeLauter

Launches Two Home Runs, Emerges as Top Waiver-Wire Target
Lerryan Douglas

Set For His UFC Debut
Julian Erosa

Looks To Bounce Back
Tanner Bibee

Leaves Opening Day Start Early With Shoulder Inflammation
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Makes a Statement on Opening Day With 10 Strikeouts
Kevin McGonigle

has Four Hits in Impressive MLB Debut
Nico Hoerner

Cubs Agree to Six-Year Deal With Nico Hoerner
Jacob Misiorowski

Shows Off his High-Strikeout Upside in Opening Day Win
Paul Skenes

Greeted Harshly by Mets on Opening Day
Brandon Lowe

Hits Two Home Runs on Opening Day
Ketel Marte

Active, Leading Off on Opening Day
Kevin McGonigle

Batting Sixth in MLB Debut
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Not in the Lineup on Opening Day
Ryan Fox

a High-Upside Value in Houston
Marco Penge

a Boom-or-Bust Option in Houston
Aaron Rai

Looks to Bounce Back in Houston
Jason Day

a Volatile Option at the Texas Children's Houston Open
Harris English

Eyes a Bounce-Back at the Texas Children's Houston Open
Ben Griffin

Looks for Turnaround at the Texas Children's Houston Open
Rickie Fowler

Brings Strong Form Into Texas Children's Houston Open
Ryan Gerard

Can Continue Rolling at Texas Children's Houston Open
Pierceson Coody

Bounces Back at Valspar Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

Trying to Get Back on Track at Texas Children's Houston Open
Michael Thorbjornsen

Playing Well Heading to Texas Children's Houston Open
Harry Hall

Looking for Consistency at Texas Children's Houston Open
Brooks Koepka

Continues Building Momentum
Scottie Scheffler

Withdraws From Texas Children's Houston Open
Luke Clanton

Might Have a Problem in Houston
Sam Stevens

Happy to See Houston This Week
Keith Mitchell

Tries to Rebound After The Players Championship
Will Zalatoris

Returning This Week at Houston
Wyndham Clark

Trending in the Wrong Direction Heading to Houston
Shane Lowry

Seeking Better Luck in Houston This Weekend
Lerone Murphy

Suffers His First Loss
Movsar Evloev

Edges Out Lerone Murphy
CFB

Notre Dame Ranks No. 1 in Returning Production for 2026
Michael Aswell

Jr. Drops Decision At UFC London
Michael Aswell

Luke Riley Outclasses Michael Aswell Jr.
Sam Patterson

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Michael Page

Wins Lackluster Decision
Austen Lane

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Iwo Baraniewski

Delivers 28-Second TKO
Tyler Reddick

Overcomes Adversity for Fourth Victory of the Season At Darlington
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Darlington Victory Despite Domination
Ryan Blaney

Recovers From Pit-Road Struggles to Score Career-Best Darlington Finish
Carson Hocevar

Rallies to Finish Fourth at Darlington
Kyle Larson

Decent Performance Ends with Technical Issues At Darlington
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF