👉 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

Killian Hayes

Ruled Out Tuesday Against Charlotte
Precious Achiuwa

Will Not Play Tuesday
Chicago Bulls

Coach Billy Donovan Stepping Away From the Bulls at the End of the Season?
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
Odell Beckham Jr.

Plans to Play in 2026
RJ Harvey

Ready for a Year 2 Jump?
Baker Mayfield

Buccaneers Expected to Discuss Extension With Baker Mayfield This Offseason
Brian Robinson Jr.

Falcons to Sign Brian Robinson Jr.
Joey Bosa

a Good Fit for the 49ers?
Lavonte David

Hanging Up his Cleats
Maxx Crosby

Dealing With Degenerative Knee Condition?
Roki Sasaki

to Stick in Rotation Despite Spring Struggles
Kevin McGonigle

Makes Tigers Opening Day Roster
Scottie Scheffler

Withdraws From Texas Children's Houston Open
James Reimer

Picks Up Victory Against Rangers
San Francisco 49ers

Denzel Boston Visiting With 49ers on Tuesday
Matthew Stafford

a Great Option for Those in Win-Now Mode
Breece Hall

Dynasty Ceiling Capped in New York?
Jaylen Waddle

Restructures his Contract With Broncos
Ryan Pepiot

Placed on Injured List to Open the Season
Trevor Siemian

Signing With the Falcons
J.J. Wetherholt

JJ Wetherholt Likely to Hit Leadoff on Opening Day
Connelly Early

to Make First Start on Sunday
Tucker Kraft

a Post-Injury Buy-Low Candidate
Jakobi Meyers

Vying for Top Spot in Jacksonville Receiver Room
Jayden Higgins

Faces Obstacles in Second Season
Sam LaPorta

New Offensive Philosophy Could Help Sam LaPorta Get Back into Top Tier
Jaylon Tyson

Unavailable Against Magic
Noah Gray

Remains Buried on Kansas City Depth Chart
Jarrett Allen

Still Out Tuesday
Anthony Black

Remains Out Tuesday
Jalen Suggs

to Miss Second Consecutive Game
Kon Knueppel

Probable Tuesday
Nique Clifford

Kings Plan to Re-Evaluate Nique Clifford in One Week
Moses Moody

Stretchered Off With Knee Injury
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
Kurt Kitayama

Poised to Bounce Back at the Houston Open
Jake Knapp

More Suited for a Course Like the Houston Open
Tony Finau

Continues Playing Well Heading to Texas Children's Houston Open
Scottie Scheffler

Returns to Action for Texas Children's Houston Open
Sam Burns

Looks to Carry Momentum Into Houston
Pete Crow-Armstrong

Cubs, Pete Crow-Armstrong Finalizing Long-Term Extension
Shane Pinto

Opens Scoring Versus Rangers
Milwaukee Bucks

Bucks Waive Cam Thomas
Kyle Kuzma

Won't Play Against Clippers
John Collins

Misses Monday's Action
Kawhi Leonard

Available Monday Night
Caleb Martin

Brandon Williams Remain Out Monday
Brandon Ingram

a Late Scratch Versus Jazz
Sahith Theegala

to Rebound at Texas Children's Houston Open
De'Anthony Melton

Moses Moody, De'Anthony Melton Available Monday
Kristaps Porzingis

Ready to Rock Monday
Cody Williams

Ruled Out Monday
Immanuel Quickley

Jamal Shead Starting With Immanuel Quickley Out
Stephan Jaeger

Hopes to Jumpstart Season at Texas Children's Houston Open
Collin Murray-Boyles

Rejoins Raptors Lineup
Adam Scott

Hopes to Get Back on Track in Houston
Blake Snell

Targeting a May Return
Hunter Greene

Reds Place Hunter Greene on 60-Day Injured List
Blake Whiteheart

Returns to the Browns
J.J. Wetherholt

JJ Wetherholt Makes Cardinals Opening Day Roster
NFL

Ty Simpson Expected to be a First-Round Pick
Jake Bobo

Seahawks Match Offer Sheet for Jake Bobo
Tommy DeVito

Becomes QB2 in New England
Nick Pivetta

to Start on Opening Day for Padres
Brandon Woodruff

Makes Brewers Opening Day Rotation
Zack Wheeler

to Start Rehab Assignment on Saturday
Carson Benge

Makes Mets Opening Day Roster
Seiya Suzuki

to Start the Season on the Injured List
Lerone Murphy

Suffers His First Loss
Dennis Santana

Won't be Pirates' Primary Closer
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
Spencer Strider

to Start the Season on Injured List
Iwo Baraniewski

Delivers 28-Second TKO
Lawson Crouse

Picks Up Three Points in Overtime Win
Filip Forsberg

Takes Predators Past Blackhawks
Alex Ovechkin

Scores 1,000th Career Goal
Nate Schmidt

Exits Early Due to Illness
Matt Grzelcyk

to Miss Four-Game Road Trip
Mikko Rantanen

to Return to Full Practice
A.J. Greer

Handed a Three-Game Suspension
Troy Terry

Wins it for Anahiem
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
Ilya Sorokin

Earns Shutout Over Columbus
Ethen Frank

Sustains Lower-Body Injury Sunday
Grayson Rodriguez

to Open Season on Injured List
Brett Pesce

Questionable to Return This Season
Stefan Noesen

Done for the Season
Yan Kuznetsov

Misses Fourth Consecutive Game Sunday
Connor Zary

Out Sunday
Mike Trout

Returns on Sunday
Anthony Duclair

Misses Sunday's Game
Ryan Pulock

Unavailable Sunday
Nick Lodolo

Exits Early With a Blister
Jeremy Peña

Astros Not Ruling Out Jeremy Pena for Opening Day
Cristopher Sánchez

Phillies Sign Cristopher Sanchez to a Six-Year Extension
Tyler Reddick

the Clear Favorite at Darlington
Kyle Larson

a High-Risk, High-Reward Driver at Darlington
Ryan Blaney

Is Getting Better at Darlington
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not Slowing Down at Darlington
Chris Buescher

Should be a Top-10 Contender at Darlington
Austin Cindric

a Sleeper at Darlington
Erik Jones

Quickest in Practice at Darlington
Morgan Geekie

Records Three Assists Against Red Wings
Steven Stamkos

Notches Three Points in Win Over Golden Knights
Cole Caufield

Records Career-High Five Points in Saturday's Win
Denny Hamlin

Qualifies Ninth for this Week's Cup Race at Darlington
Chase Briscoe

Is One of the Top DFS Options of the Week for Darlington
William Byron

Is William Byron A Playable DFS Option for Darlington Lineups?
Christopher Bell

Could Christopher Bell be Considered A Decent DFS Option for Darlington?
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott Worth Rostering At Darlington This Week For DFS?
Joey Logano

May Not Have the Speed to Warrant A Darlington DFS Lineup Spot
Ross Chastain

Should DFS Players Trust Ross Chastain at Darlington?
Kyle Busch

Could Kyle Busch Be A Worthy DFS Option for Darlington?
Brad Keselowski

May be A Contriarian DFS Tournament Option At Darlington
Lerone Murphy

Set For UFC London Main Event
Movsar Evloev

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Michael Aswell

Jr. An Underdog At UFC London
Luke Riley

Set For UFC London Co-Main Event
Sam Patterson

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Michael Page

Set For Welterweight Bout
Austen Lane

In Dire Need Of Victory
Iwo Baraniewski

A Favorite At UFC London
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF