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There are four undefeated teams remaining in the NFL, three hail from the AFC and one is playing on Thursday Night Football. The 7-0 Cincinnati Bengals host the Cleveland Browns, looking to have a field day against a Browns team that has lost three straight. To spice things up for the viewing public, the Browns have announced they're starting Johnny Manziel at quarterback and to make it clear from the forefront, no one should have him in unless they're trying to win a side bet of some kind.
Browns @ Bengals - Thursday Night Analysis
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The Bengals' signal caller finally showed some flashes of "Bad Andy" during last week's game against Pittsburgh, putting up his worst fantasy output of the season. Although Dalton's one touchdown pass was an important one (it put the Bengals ahead for the win), he completed 23 passes compared to 15 incompletions with two interceptions thrown. People among social media channels like to pour it on Dalton when anything goes awry, but a bounce-back performance at home against the Browns is a good bet. Although Dalton has had seven interceptions in his last four meetings against Cleveland, this Bengals team seems to have a different makeup than those of years past. There was only one opponent who did not score at least 24 points against the Browns this season—Tennessee in Week 2.
No one can expect Green to get 17 targets again, but with Joe Haden ruled out due to a concussion there should be no worries about Green and his WR1 status this week. The only thing to be nervous about with Green is if the Bengals take control early and run the ball exclusively in the second half, which is entirely plausible with Manziel's ball security issues (grab Bengals D/ST if you can). I'm predicting a more modest game for Green this week, landing somewhere between the 10 to 15 point range.
Jeremy Hill / Gio Bernard
The Bengals decided to throw the run game out of the window last week and I'm going to assume that they pay more attention to it this Thursday. Cincinnati only had 17 rushes from players not named Dalton (six rushes) and Hill was the main rusher with 15 carries for 60 yards. At only four yards per carry, Hill is going to have to find the end zone to obtain RB3/flex status. With focus on the ground and Cleveland giving up the third-most points to running back, Bernard is in the flex conversation for this week as well, even coming off his worst fantasy game of the year.
If I feel Green is going to have a mediocre game with no touchdowns, then I'll look to Dalton's second favorite target who very well may find pay dirt on Thursday. After missing all of last season and not catching a touchdown against the Browns in 2013, Eifert is my pick for a receiving touchdown.
Browns Running Backs
Cleveland didn't even consider running the ball against the Arizona Cardinals last week, as Isaiah Crowell had 10 carries for 14 yards, Duke Johnson Jr. had one rush for three yards and Robert Turbin had three rushes for three yards. I'm playing Johnson Jr. if I have to pick one running back, although I would consider avoiding this situation entirely if better options are available. I can see the Browns making things simple for Manziel and try to kick-start the running game to help the team's chances of winning, but expecting any ground-breaking production will leave fantasy managers disappointed.
Officially the most interesting man in Cleveland (move over LeBron), Barnidge has had double-digit points in every game since the season opener. With double-digit targets in three games and nine targets in another, Barnidge is the focal point of the Browns passing offense and is a must-start every week. Hopefully Manziel will not be a derail his production, as Barnidge has been one of the largest and most pleasant surprises during this year's fantasy football season.
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