Browns

Def/Spec Team

The Browns also allowed at least 28 points for the seventh consecutive game and own the NFL’s second-worst run defense, ahead of just the abysmal San Francisco 49ers. Cleveland did force multiple turnovers against Baltimore, the first time the Browns have achieved that feat since Week 3, but was otherwise unimpressive again on Thursday night. The Browns D/ST won’t be worth fantasy consideration in Week 11 against Pittsburgh.

The injury bug has devoured the Cleveland offense and is now working its way to the defense. Haden had two interceptions in Week 2 and his potential absence is a significant issue for the Cleveland defense. The Browns D/ST won’t be a viable fantasy option this week with or without Haden, but having the cornerback in the fold would help Cleveland’s chances of stealing a win at Miami.

The Browns have allowed 114.2 rushing yards per game through five weeks and will now take on the Titans and DeMarco Murray, who has averaged 104.8 yards per game over the last four weeks by himself. The Browns D/ST is fresh off an abysmal home performance against New England and is not a trustworthy fantasy option in Week 6.

The winless Browns have a messy situation at quarterback, but their defense continues to struggle as well. Cleveland’s 139.9 rushing yards allowed per game slots them 31st among NFL defenses, ahead of only San Francisco’s non-existent run defense. Even in a home matchup against Ryan Fitzpatrick, the NFL leader in interceptions, the Browns D/ST is a risky streaming option in fantasy leagues.

The Browns’ run defense is giving San Francisco’s porous defensive front a run for their money down the stretch, as opposing teams have trampled the Cleveland defense. The Browns D/ST is last in sacks and tied for 29th in takeaways in 2016 and won’t be worth fantasy consideration once again in Week 16 when the San Diego Chargers visit FirstEnergy Stadium.

The Browns have coughed up more than 100 yards on the ground in 10 of 12 games this season, and own the NFL’s second-worst run defense. Opponents are breaking off 4.5 yards per carry against Cleveland, who will host Cincinnati in Week 14 in likely snowy conditions. The Browns D/ST has produced just one top-10 fantasy performance in 2016 and will not be on the fantasy radar against Cincinnati.

Baltimore leads the NFL in third down defense, allowing conversions at a 31.5 percent rate. Poor third down defense has plagued the Cleveland defense, and the team has not held an opponent under 28 points since Week 2. The Browns D/ST is as far from the fantasy radar as possible for a Week 11 home date with Pittsburgh.

The Browns are giving up 158.3 rushing yards per game this season and will travel to San Diego to face the Chargers and Gordon, who is averaging 4.3 yards per carry on 44 chances in 2015. While the matchup is great for the rookie, the Cleveland D/ST will not be a recommended fantasy option on the road against a San Diego offense racking up over 400 yards per game.

O’Neil told the Cleveland Plain Dealer, “There are a couple plays I’m sure he wishes that he could have back. I’m confident in Joe. I wouldn’t want any other corner in this league than Joe Haden.” The Browns defense will need to see improvement from Haden and their entire secondary this week as the efficient Marcus Mariota comes to town. The Browns D/ST is a mid-range Week 2 fantasy option at home against Tennessee.

The Browns will allow their star defensive back to knock some rust off in Week 3 of the preseason before likely sitting out the Cleveland preseason finale. The Cleveland D/ST unit has been an afterthought in fantasy drafts this summer, but will be useful in Week 1 of the regular season as they face the New York Jets in a game with the lowest expected point total from oddsmakers on the opening NFL slate.