The Cleveland Browns have been disappointing in 2024 and their Week 5 defeat was much-discussed across the NFL and fantasy football worlds. It was not just the 34-13 defeat to the Washington Commanders or the manner of it that caught the eye, but the different trajectories the two franchises appear to be on.
The product on offense has not been good in Cleveland and this has filtered into fantasy football, and they face a Philadelphia Eagles team fresh off a bye week and looking like featuring A.J. Brown.
Let’s take a look at the fantasy outlooks of the Browns’ main weapons in Week 6:
Browns’ QB Fantasy Outlook: Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson is the most sacked QB in the NFL, and it is hard to judge whether the issues in Cleveland stem from a decline in his play when he is being sacked 5.2 times per game. With 26 sacks allowed, the Browns are 7 ahead of the second-placed Patriots.
Problems on the O-line are certainly a problem and after an 8.40-point day against Washington, Watson can not be trusted in fantasy. If you are in a big league keep him on your bench in case of emergency or improvement, but he cannot be reliably started.
Deshaun Watson’s point range: 8-25; Prediction: 13
Browns’ RB Fantasy Outlook: Jerome Ford
Jerome Ford is the only Browns RB you can start in 2024, at least until Nick Chubb returns and looks like his old self. Ford has put in two good performances this season, going for 15.90 points in Week 1 and 12.00 in Week 4 (HPPR). However, his floor has proven to be quite low, with his 6.40 points against Washington Ford’s worst fantasy performance of the season.
The question of whether you should start Ford depends entirely on the makeup of your team, but as a general rule, Ford is an RB2/flex option. If he is your flex option, consider all the WR options as streamers.
Jerome Ford’s point range: 6-15; Prediction: 8
Browns’ WR Fantasy Outlooks: Amari Cooper & Jerry Jeudy
The Browns faced a Commanders team that had looked vulnerable against the pass, but neither Amari Cooper or Jerry Jeudy made it into the endzone. While Cooper was fantasy-relevant at four receptions for 60 yards (8.00 points, HPPR), Jeudy had his worst fantasy performance of 2024 with one catch for 16 yards (2.10 points).
Jeduy should be put on your bench in case of better days, but Cooper can be started as a WR2 or flex, and seems a reliable option in either. He has considerable upside, with a ceiling of 24.10 points in 2024, and is unlikely to suffer the 2.60-point lows of Week 1 & 2 again.
Amari Cooper’s point range: 6-25; Prediction: 12
Jerry Jeudy’s point range: 2-12; Prediction: 6
Browns’ TE Fantasy Outlook: David Njoku
While David Njoku did return from injury in Week 5, he had as poor an outing as the rest of the Browns’ offense, recording only 1.90 points in HPPR leagues. Njoku will improve with time and fitness, but should not be started until he does.
Jordan Akins got the TD against the Commanders, recording 9.70 fantasy points on the day. However, with his points beforehand fluctuating from 4 to 1.5 twice, he cannot be relied upon to recreate his performance against Washington. It could happen, but you shouldn’t bet on it.
David Njoku’s point range: 8-25; Prediction: 13
Also read: 6 Fantasy Football Defense Streamers and Traps for Week 6 ft. Texans, Saints, Colts & more