Same stuff, different year for the Cleveland Browns, who are 0-7 and once again coming apart at the seams. The offense has been a trainwreck all season, with a revolving door at quarterback, Isaiah Crowell underachieving, and Kenny Britt openly loafing it. They don’t even have Joe Thomas anymore after he suffered a season-ending triceps tear.
Fantasy football Week 8: Duke Johnson, start or sit?
On a turgid Browns offense, Johnson is the closest thing approaching a bright spot. We break down the fantasy implications.
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If there’s one positive thing on this offense, it’s the presence of Duke Johnson. Technically still a running back, Johnson is more of a pass-catching specialist, though he’s averaging 5.1 yards on the ground. Through seven games, Johnson has 32 receptions for 314 yards and a touchdown, rushing for 143 yards, and two additional scores.
Fantasy impact: Last week, Johnson had 13 touches (six catches) for 71 total yards. That’s about what fantasy owners can expect most weeks, though the catches make him a PPR asset and pretty much the only Browns player worth owning in 12-team leagues.
However, Johnson will have one of his toughest matches yet when the Browns face the Minnesota Vikings in London. The Vikings’ defense is giving up the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs, and shutting down Johnson, the offense’s only legitimate weapon, figures to be a top priority. PPR owners can still use Johnson because of the targets, but his ceiling could be much lower than usual this week.
Recommendation: Start if you’re desperate
