The Cleveland Browns have been exciting enough this year, with surprising performances from their quarterback, tight end and No. 1 wide receiver. The St. Louis Browns, too, have had their moments, especially with what looks like a superstar rookie running back the last couple games. I bet if I tried really hard, I could convince you both teams are just over .500 and are surprise contenders. Instead, Cleveland is 2-4 and St. Louis is 2-3, and they play each other Sunday needing a win to not look at 2015 as another write-off year.
Fantasy football advice, Week 7: Who to start/sit for Browns vs. Rams
It’s Cleveland and St. Louis in a battle of two teams and cities that definitely aren’t boring, nope, no sir.
Tight end Gary Barnidge is on the weekly injury report for the Browns this week with an ankle issue, but is expected to be fine for Sunday’s game. The Rams, meanwhile, will likely be without running back Tre Mason, but should have wide receiver Tavon Austin on the field Sunday despite his hamstring issues.
The Rams play host Sunday, with the game scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the fantasy names to consider:
BROWNS
Start ‘em: Even against Denver, Travis Benjamin had 11 fantasy points. He’s had at least seven in every game and is averaging almost 13 per. He’s a must-start. ... If you have Gary Barnidge, you’re probably using him no matter what.
Start ‘em?: Week 6 was a comedown from the heights of Josh McCown’s season, though anyone would struggle against Denver. He’s made himself a perfectly fine QB2. ... The Cleveland running-back situation is murky, but Isaiah Crowell is still the best option of the bunch. He’s a desperation running back. ... Travis Coons has been strong for a month now.
Sit ‘em: Behind Crowell, Duke Johnson Jr. and Robert Turbin warrant watch, but neither is a fantasy play right now. ... The Browns’ defense had its first positive fantasy day in a month in Week 6.
RAMS
Start ‘em: There might be no better fantasy play in the league this week than Todd Gurley against the Cleveland defense. He’s been great, and that defense doesn’t stop the run well. ... The Rams’ defense has been good, and the Cleveland offense isn’t special.
Sit ‘em: Even in his appealing matchups, Nick Foles just hasn’t had much to offer. ... If Tavon Austin were fully healthy, you could probably argue him as a flex option, but with his injury and the subpar production of Kenny Britt, Stedman Bailey and tight end Jared Cook, you probably just want to ignore the St. Louis passing offense. ... Greg Zuerlein doesn’t have much upside as a kicker.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Travis Benjamin, Gary Barnidge, Todd Gurley, St. Louis defense
Start if you’re desperate: Josh McCown, Isaiah Crowell, Travis Coons
Bench: Duke Johnson Jr., Robert Turbin, Cleveland defense, Nick Foles, Tavon Austin, Kenny Britt, Stedman Bailey, Jared Cook, Greg Zuerlein
