With no running game to speak of, the Cleveland Browns leaned heavily on new starting quarterback Brian Hoyer Sunday, and he came through. Despite three interceptions, Hoyer threw for 321 yards and three touchdowns on 30 of 54 passing, leading the Browns to a 31-27 victory Sunday.
Brian Hoyer’s three TDs vault him into fantasy near-relevance
No, he’s not a starter yet, but Hoyer proved he isn’t an afterthought either on Sunday. We break down the fantasy implications.
Adam Bettcher
Hoyer focused his attentions on Josh Gordon (10 receptions on 19 targets for 146 yards and a touchdown), Davone Bess (seven receptions on 10 targets for 67 yards), and Jordan Cameron (six receptions on 11 targets for 66 yards and three touchdowns -- one thrown by punter Spencer Lanning).
Fantasy impact: The 54 pass attempts by Hoyer were more than former starter Brandon Weeden had in either of the season's first two games. Weeden totaled 516 passing yards and one touchdown over Weeks 1 and 2 before being replaced by Hoyer this week due to injury. While it is true that Weeden never had a weapon like Gordon (in his first game back from suspension) to throw to, it is also true that Hoyer didn't have a running back like Trent Richardson (just traded to Indianapolis) to distract defenses.
Going forward, Hoyer isn’t much more than a super-deep option. Regardless, it was a big surprise when he was named the starter, and hardly seemed worth a look. While he’s not about to supplant any starters, Hoyer at least deserves a look now.
• Week 3 fantasy football rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
