New Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Brian Hoyer had a big first half Sunday, surprising those who expected the backup to continue his team's offensive mediocrity. The journeyman completed 14-of-23 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns against the Vikings, leading the team to a 24-17 lead. He also threw an interception.
Brian Hoyer starts hot for Browns, surprising fantasy players
Hoyer wasn’t expected to do much after being named Cleveland’s surprise starter, but threw for two touchdowns in the first half against Minnesota. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Hoyer, the Browns' third-string quarterback a week ago, was named the starter just days ago after an injury to incumbent starter Brandon Weeden, leap-frogging presumptive backup Jason Campbell on the depth chart.
Hoyer's first touchdown came on a 47-yard pass to wide receiver Josh Gordon, currently in his first game back from suspension. The second was a 19-yard toss to tight end Jordan Cameron in the second quarter, giving the Browns a 14-7 lead.
Fantasy impact: Browns general manager Mike Lombardi regularly talked about how much he liked Hoyer in his pre-Browns media time. The Browns made it clear that there are no sacred cows on the team's roster by trading starting running back and ex-first-rounder Trent Richardson earlier in the week, and all indications are that Weeden might have a tough time getting his starting job back.
It is far too early to assign any kind of fantasy value to Hoyer, but it seems clear at least that the Browns front office is a fan of his. He has a couple of good weapons in Gordon and Cameron, and for now, no running game to speak of, so Hoyer might end up as a bye-week or two-quarterback-league option. Stay tuned in Cleveland, somehow.
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