2024 Cleveland Browns Team Outlook
WR Elijah Moore, PHI - Bye Week Fill-in
ADVICE: Moore had his moments as Cleveland's No. 2 wideout last season. But with Jerry Jeudy now in the lineup, Moore is little more than a low-upside WR5.
WR Amari Cooper, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
Finishing as the 20th wide receiver despite earning targets from five different quarterbacks was quite an accomplishment for Amari Cooper. Cooper's 17.4 yards per catch average ranked third and he was top 12 in yards (1,250), air yards (1,820), yards per target (9.8), and EPA per game. Cooper had four top-30 weekly outings in the five games predominantly played with DeShaun Watson. This bodes well for Cooper's 2024 prospects as Watson is healthy and has a history of heavily featuring his top wideout. Cooper is a safe WR2 who will see a ton of volume and the Browns have the league's third-easiest schedule. ADVICE: Don't discount a chance at Cooper contending for WR1 numbers
TE David Njoku, LAC - Solid/Safe Pick
Njoku followed up his first top-10 season in 2022 with a breakout 2023 showing, resulting in career-best numbers across the board and his first top-5 fantasy finish. The Browns used five different quarterbacks and dealt with other injuries. That allowed Njoku to rack up the third-most targets and a position-leading 599 yards after catch. But with an upgraded receiving corps and healthy Deshaun Watson, Njoku is unlikely to repeat last year's 21.5% target share or 17 red-zone looks. He's still a quality fantasy TE1 but don't over-draft Njoku based on last year's gaudy numbers. ADVICE: Quality TE1 but likely to be over-drafted based on last year's gaudy target numbers
PK Dustin Hopkins, --- - Bye Week Fill-in
Hopkins was very good last season, booting 33-of-36 field goals and ranking as fantasy's No. 12 placekicker. However, the Browns should (tentatively) score more touchdowns in 2024, which will reduce his field goals but lead to a handful more extra point attempts. Call Hopkins a middling fantasy option but there is no reason to go out of your way to draft him.
Cleveland - Solid/Safe Pick
The Browns boasted the NFL's top defense last season. They ranked first in yards per play, first against the pass and 11th versus the run. They did fall to 13th in points allowed but forced 28 turnovers and scored three touchdowns. This is an elite defense in both real football and for fantasy purposes.
