Fantasy football advice, Week 4: who to start/sit for Cleveland Browns. vs. Washington
Dan Ciarrocchi reviews who should be in your fantasy lineups or benches for a matchup between two teams trying to turn their seasons around.
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Start ‘em
Washington has been absolutely gashed on the ground to begin 2015, surrendering 4.6 yards per carry on the season. With Isaiah Crowell, the NFL’s second-leading rusher, at the Browns’ disposal, Washington could once again be in for a long afternoon if the Browns want to control the clock, take weight off of Cody Kessler’s shoulders, and keep Washington’s potent passing offense off of the field.
Start ‘em?
Terrelle Pryor’s production did not suffer despite Corey Coleman’s absence, but instead boomed. Pryor posted an 8-144-0 line against the Dolphins corners, but with Josh Norman potentially shadowing him, Pryor may find far less room to run. He can still be started in formats of all kinds, but Pryor is more of a flex option than a WR2. Gary Barnidge is tough to trust with Kessler at the helm, but fantasy owners may not have any other option at such a shallow tight end position.
Sit ‘em
Until the Browns find consistency on offense that doesn’t require force-feeding Pryor targets, Kessler and Duke Johnson, Jr. are worth keeping out of lineups.
Washington
Start ‘em
Kirk Cousins and his offense have stalled in the red zone this season (3-14), but regression to the mean can be expected. Against the Browns, Week 4 seems like a good bet for that to begin. Cousins can be safely reinserted into lineups after showing signs of life in Week 3, connecting on a long touchdown pass to DeSean Jackson. Jackson can be considered a high-upside WR3, while Jordan Reed remains a top-flight TE1.
Start em?
In Week 3, I pointed out that Jamison Crowder is worth keeping an eye on, and all he did in response was take a screen pass 55 yards to the house. Crowder deserves PPR consideration once again in Week 4 as a WR3. Matt Jones got the running game back on track, ripping off chunks of yardage during a critical time late in the fourth quarter. However, Washington’s strengths on offense clearly revolve around its pass catchers, and Jones may not have the volume to cash in on RB2 status even in a plus matchup. Jones can be considered a flex option in standard leagues.
Sit ‘em
Usage concerns keep Pierre Garcon and Chris Thompson on fantasy benches across the spectrum.
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