Browns-Falcons fantasy projections: Josh Gordon, Matt Ryan, Julio Jones are likely big performers

The Week 12 matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons features the return of a superstar. We've got the fantasy projections for you courtesy of numberFire.

After serving a suspension to start the season, star wide receiver Josh Gordon will make his long-awaited season debut against the Falcons this week. He was probably the second- or third-best fantasy wide receiver in the NFL last season next to Calvin Johnson and Jordy Nelson. Coach Mike Pettine said he is impressed with how far ahead of schedule Gordon looks to be in terms of his conditioning. Fantasy owners need to get him in the lineup no matter what, but a juicy matchup against the Falcons and the fact he apparently stayed in shape points to a potential explosive first game of the season for him.

That could open up more opportunities for fellow wide receiver Andrew Hawkins. Hawkins managed six catches for 91 yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans last week and used in the team's most consistent receiver with Gordon out. Although one might think Gordon's return would take targets away from Hawkins, he will probably still be the team's possession receiver as Gordon is more of a downfield threat anyway. Either way fantasy owners want to split it, both receivers probably represent the team's best fantasy options, especially given the running back by committee system that the coaching staff seems to be content with running at this time.

Those who started quarterback Matt Ryan in their fantasy league last week against the Carolina Panthers hoping he would go off for a big day were probably slightly disappointed even though the Falcons won the game on the scoreboard. Ryan threw just one touchdown pass in the game and although he did total 268 yards, lately it seems like his days as being in the upper half of fantasy quarterback rankings might be done at least for the rest of this season. He will be in tough against the Browns but the fact the Falcons are playing at home might even things out a little bit.

The other factor that might help keep things close is wide receiver Julio Jones. He, too, had a slightly subpar day against the Panthers last week. While Jones did catch six balls in the game, all of those receptions only lead him to a total of 59 yards receiving. That's a solid stat line for the No. 3 wide receiver on a team, but not that top option. Jones will have to be better against a Browns' secondary unit that is pretty good. Fantasy owners can go ahead and start him as he does get a ton of looks and usually produces more yards with those targets.