Since these two teams aren’t exactly classic rivals or battling one another for a playoff spot or anything, I’m going to spend the first paragraph of this preview for Sunday’s Houston-Cleveland game pointing out that these two teams have the worst two mascot names in sports, non-racist division. Sunday’s game is a matchup of “Look, this is where we are from” against “Look, this is a color, and not even one from a rainbow.” C’mon, guys, let’s get better mascots.
Texans vs. Browns start/sit advice: Arian Foster, Alfred Blue, Andrew Hawkins and Ben Tate
One successful and one unsuccessful team face off Sunday.
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As for real football, the Texans have a real injury concern in running back Arian Foster, who injured his groin before the team's Week 9 bye and looks to be a true game-time decision Sunday. The Browns, meanwhile, will again be without tight end Jordan Cameron. Wide receiver Andrew Hawkins is more promising, but is not yet totally in the clear as he deals with a knee injury.
The Browns will host Sunday’s game at 1 p.m. ET. Let’s look at the fantasy names of note:
TEXANS
Start 'em: In nine games this season, DeAndre Hopkins has been Houston's top fantasy receiver eight times. He's a fine WR2, even with the new quarterback.
Start 'em?: It's a totally binary proposition for Arian Foster and Alfred Blue Sunday. If Foster manages to play, even banged up, he's a sure-fire must-start. If Foster sits, Blue isn't nearly as exciting, but he still looks like a strong start. ... There's no way Andre Johnson is done, but the way he's produced (or not really produced) of late, you'd have to be really desperate to use him. ... Randy Bullock has had a handful of good games this season, though it's not that hard to envision a new quarterback making it hard for a kicker to get opportunities. ... The Texans' defense has been disappointing overall.
Sit 'em: The team has moved on at quarterback, giving Ryan Mallett his first start in Week 11. He's far too much of an unknown to even consider using in fantasy. ... Garrett Graham gets listed in this space just because every team needs to have a tight end listed.
BROWNS
Start ‘em: The Browns’ defense has played much better of late, and now gets a first-time starting quarterback to go against. That’s my No. 3 unit this week.
Start 'em?: For now, you probably have to act as though Terrance West is the Browns' running back to use, making him a reasonable RB2, but the up-and-down nature of the team's RB usage makes him dicey. ... Assuming he's active, Andrew Hawkins looks like a reasonable low-end flex play. ... Billy Cundiff has been a surprisingly strong fantasy kicker this season.
Sit 'em: He's led the Browns to first place in the AFC North, but as a fantasy player, Brian Hoyer has been awful this year, and that will likely continue. ... Even as much as the Browns run the ball, I can't find it in me to recommend Ben Tate or Isaiah Crowell to go with West. ... Miles Austin and Taylor Gabriel couldn't do much last week even with Hawkins out; the team just doesn't pass enough to support many pass-catchers. ... Gary Barnidge and Jim Dray fill in for Jordan Cameron as tight ends in name only; they are fantasy-irrelevant.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: DeAndre Hopkins, Cleveland defense
Start if you’re desperate: Arian Foster, Alfred Blue, Andre Johnson, Randy Bullock, Houston defense, Terrance West, Andrew Hawkins, Billy Cundiff
Bench: Ryan Mallett, Garrett Graham, Brian Hoyer, Ben Tate, Isaiah Crowell, Miles Austin, Taylor Gabriel, Gary Barnidge, Jim Dray
