NFL training camps are open, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy football preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 32 NFL teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, the sleepers in specific formats, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the Cleveland Browns.
Must Own:
Ben Tate, RB: Ben Tate was signed this offseason to be the leader of Cleveland's backfield. Even though the Browns then drafted Terrance West, Tate figures to take the lion's share of the work. Yes, he'll lose some carries to West, but what running back doesn't cede at least a few attempts to a backup these days? Tate's never averaged less than four yards per carry in a season, and he's proven he doesn't need to leave the field for goal line situations. Last year, he showed he could catch a little too.
Have no fear of drafting Tate as an RB2 or FLEX option.
Terrance West, RB: West didn't come from a powerhouse school (Towson) but he will certainly get some opportunities this year. Tate is coming in as the starter, but running backs are fickle beings. They can get injured quickly, and are at higher risk than just about any position on the field. If something happens to Tate, West will find himself running behind a heck of an offensive line.
It's a good idea to handcuff Tate to West if you are relying on him as an RB2, because if an injury occurs West will fill in capably.
Jordan Cameron, TE: Yes, Cameron's early weeks were far better than he fared down the stretch. He's still a big time playmaker who was targeted 117 times. That was second among all tight ends behind only Jimmy Graham.
Josh Gordon, WR: Gordon would've been first if he wasn't facing a year-long suspension. Gordon has appealed a positive drug test this offseason, and is still waiting for a final decision on that-he's also likely to face fallout from a DUI. Still, if Gordon suits up for even eight games he becomes a must-own player in any league based off his crazy 2013 production.
In case you needed a refresher-Gordon caught 87 passes for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns. Almost forgot...that was in 14 games. If his suspension is upheld, however, there's obviously no need to roster him.
Sleepers (Best Format):
Andrew Hawkins, WR (PPR): Hawkins may possibly be better suited as a deep find, but fantasy owners know of him. Hawkins figures to be featured more in Cleveland than he was with the Bengals, when the passing game was all about A.J. Green. Without Gordon in the picture, there's no No. 1 target, and while Hawkins won't be that, he could see a ton of targets out of the slot. In 2012 he managed to find the end zone four times, and he recorded 51 receptions. I see that as his minimum production regarding receptions this year, while the touchdowns could go up or down. He's a definite late-round flier option for PPR players.
Defense/Special Teams (Standard): Surprise, surprise. This D/ST can be drafted in the final round of most drafts, and shouldn't be slept on. If rookie CB Justin Gilbert pans out this could be an elite secondary, and elite secondaries mean low point totals. It also may mean teams have to throw on Joe Haden which means turnovers. There's good potential here.
Johnny Manziel, QB (Standard, Two-QB): If Johnny Football is a Week 1 starter, he'll have some value for sure. He can't help but run all over the place, and while that means injury risk it also means fantasy points. I'm not sold on his arm strength, or his decision-making, or even his accuracy. I do see him as a consistent source of at least 10 points or so every week in a two-QB league.
Brian Hoyer, QB (Two-QB): Hoyer has significantly less upside than Manziel, but he's also likely to be the starter come Week 1. If he is the starter, he's viable in two-QB leagues. If not, you can leave him on the waiver wire and pick him up if he's got a juicy matchup.
Deep Finds (Best Format)
Travis Benjamin, WR (Standard): Cleveland's receiving corps has veteran names dotting it, but very few reliable players. Benjamin has proven he can be electric in the return game, and may get his chance at real playing time if a few injury dominoes fall his way. This is not someone who should be drafted, but rather a player to stash away in the back of your mind. If the injury bug is biting, he could be a boom-or-bust type fill-in for bye weeks.
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