Fantasy football advice, Week 4: Who to start/sit for Browns vs. Chargers

The one win by the San Diego Chargers this season came in a game they trailed for a while before coming from behind. So the Chargers, at 1-2, could easily be 0-3. The Cleveland Browns are also 1-2, though their one win was more convincing. The teams play one another Sunday, with the winner climbing to a respectable 2-2 and the loser slumping to 1-3.

Quarterbacks Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel and wide receiver Travis Benjamin all appeared on the Browns’ injury report for the week, though all three are expected to be fine for Sunday. On the San Diego side, the only fantasy-relevant name on the injury report is tight end Ladarius Green, who missed Week 3 with a concussion and is listed as questionable for Sunday. Green needs to pass the league’s concussion protocol before he can be eligible to play.

The Chargers will host Sunday’s game, with kickoff scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:

Start ‘em?: It hasn’t been a great start to the season for Isaiah Crowell, with exactly three fantasy points twice in three games, but he’s the best running back the Browns have, and he’s still a fine flex option. ... It’s been an insane start to the season for Travis Benjamin, who has averaged 17 fantasy points a game through three weeks. That won’t continue by any means, but he’s the most productive Cleveland receiver, and that warrants at least low-level flex consideration.

Sit ‘em: In his return to the starting lineup Sunday, Josh McCown put up 19 fantasy points. On the other hand, it’s Josh McCown. Look elsewhere. ... Unless Crowell loses his gig, Duke Johnson is just a backup running back, with minimal fantasy potential. ... Behind Benjamin, the Browns’ other main receivers (Andrew Hawkins and Brian Hartline) haven’t offered much. ... Gary Barnidge’s big Week 3 was more about the Oakland Raiders’ defense than his own numbers; he’s nowhere near a fantasy play. ... Travis Coons has kicked fine so far, but he doesn’t have much upside. ... The Browns’ defense put up 19 fantasy points in Week 2, but hasn’t had more than one point in either of its other two games.

Start ‘em: You’d like more consistency out of Keenan Allen, but 40 fantasy points through three games is good no matter how you get there.

Start ‘em?: It’s been a fine but not amazing start to the season for Philip Rivers, with 17.3 fantasy points a game. The team’s offensive line has hurt him. ... The team’s top two running backs (Danny Woodhead and Melvin Gordon) make for a fairly formidable twosome, but individually, it’s hard to count on either for much more than flex production. ... Stevie Johnson came back to earth in Week 3, but he’s getting enough targets to warrant mid-range flex consideration most weeks.

Sit ‘em: With Allen and Johnson producing, there aren’t enough balls going to Malcom Floyd for him to help on a weekly basis. ... We don’t know if Ladarius Green will play Sunday, but if he does, there are enough questions that you probably want to look elsewhere. ... The offense hasn’t given Josh Lambo enough chances to produce. ... The Chargers’ defense has 10 points. In three games. Combined.

Start in every league: Keenan Allen
Start if you’re desperate: Isaiah Crowell, Travis Benjamin, Philip Rivers, Danny Woodhead, Melvin Gordon, Stevie Johnson
Bench: Josh McCown, Duke Johnson, Andrew Hawkins, Brian Hartline, Gary Barnidge, Travis Coons, Cleveland defense, Malcom Floyd, Ladarius Green, Josh Lambo, San Diego defense