Fantasy News

David Njoku fails to make an impact in season opener.

Njoku caught three passes for 13 yards, and he left the game briefly with an undisclosed injury before returning. The second-year tight end was basically used as an H-back for much of the game rather than a consistent receiving threat, which was disappointing to see. Hopefully weather played a factor in the conservative approach with Njoku, but he is trending down heading into Week 2.

9/10/18 - 12:01 PM ET

Josh Gordon scores in limited action.

Gordon was said to be on a pitch count to open the year, but he overcame it with a 17-yard touchdown that tied the game in the fourth quarter. Fantasy owners that rolled with “Flash” really couldn’t have expected much more, and Gordon should get more involved as soon as next Sunday’s matchup with the Saints. His fantasy value will be dependent on how much he’s expected to play, so keep an eye on reports during the week.

9/10/18 - 11:59 AM ET

Rashard Higgins catches 38-yard pass in Week 1 tie.

It was the only grab of the game for Higgins, who saw extended playing time with Josh Gordon not playing a full compliment of snaps. Even after Tampa Bay went crazy on the Saints in Week 1, Higgins isn’t a recommended plug-and-play in a matchup against the Saints next Sunday.

9/10/18 - 11:55 AM ET

Jarvis Landry goes over 100 yards in Browns debut.

Landry caught seven passes for 106 yards, accounting for about half of Cleveland’s passing game production in a 21-21 tie. The former Dolphin will probably be negatively impacted when Josh Gordon starts playing a full compliment of snaps, but he could remain the preferred fantasy option (even in standard leagues) if Todd Haley continues to focus the game plan on him. Landry should be a low-end WR2/FLEX option with a boost in PPR formats next week against New Orleans.

9/10/18 - 11:53 AM ET

Duke Johnson handled just six touches in Week 1 tie.

Johnson rushed five times for 17 yards and caught an eight-yard pass. If you want to look at the game with an optimistic outlook as a Johnson owner, weather could have played a factor in the limited usage, but we think the Browns might just be committed to Carlos Hyde as the clear featured back. Cleveland’s receiving back doesn’t need to be owned in 10-team leagues.

9/10/18 - 11:48 AM ET

Nick Chubb operates as distant backup in NFL debut.

Chubb rushed three times for 21 yards, including a 17-yard run that displayed his impressive vision, power, and acceleration. Unfortunately, the rookie was out-touched by Carlos Hyde 23-3, and Cleveland’s coaching staff seems committed to the veteran despite struggling to get going. That said, we think it’s only a matter of time before Chubb takes over the lead role in the backfield, as Hue Jackson might need wins to save his job in 2018. Consider the Georgia product a high-upside bench stash.

9/10/18 - 11:46 AM ET

Carlos Hyde operates as clear lead back in Week 1 tie.

Hyde rushed 22 times for 62 yards and a touchdown, also adding a three-yard reception. A turnover that set up Cleveland on the one-yard line saved the veteran with an easy score, but the workload was obviously a great sign with Nick Chubb getting just three touches. Hyde remains just a FLEX option against what should be a determined Saints defense in Week 2, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Chubb get more work.

9/10/18 - 11:43 AM ET