What can the Browns do for you?

By Dan Davis  |   Friday, August 01, 2008  |  Comments( 5 )

Fantasy Football
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Undoubtedly among the biggest fantasy surprises of last year was Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson’s phenomenal 29-touchdown season. Though Anderson tossed a hefty 19 interceptions, his positive output from 2007 should garner some early draft looks from fantasy owners this year.

Yet many may give pause to selecting Anderson or any other Browns player not named Kellen Winslow II or Braylon Edwards. Why? Because of the possibility that Cleveland was a fluke last season.

The Browns ranked eighth in the league in scoring offense, driven by the efforts of Winslow and Edwards, not to mention an out-of-nowhere 1,300-yard season from running back Jamal Lewis. With a strong offensive line in place, why can't the Browns repeat their success?

Well, there’s plenty of reasons to believe their offensive output could be even better this year.

Anderson now has a full year of starting under his belt, and he possesses a seemingly firm grip on the starting job. Thanks to that, Anderson should be a confident, poised leader for the Browns. Don't be surprised if his yardage and touchdown totals increase and his interception total decreases this season as a result.

A major reason to have further confidence is the addition of speedy wideout Donte' Stallworth. While Stallworth, who spent last season in New England, has yet to have the breakout year which seems warranted for a onetime 13th overall pick, the Browns are hoping he emulates his 2006 form; as an Eagle that year, he averaged a whopping 19.1 yards per catch. Stallworth provides the Browns with a dangerous deep threat, which should open up even more opportunities for Winslow underneath and Edwards outside.

Also, don’t be surprised to see rookie TE Martin Rucker from Missouri be a big factor in the offense. When the Browns slip into two-TE sets, the unheralded Rucker will present a big (6-foot-5, 248 pounds), athletic target capable of doing a lot of damage around the red zone.

However, the biggest reason to have faith in the Browns' offense lies on the other side of the field. The additions of tackles Corey Williams and Shaun Rodgers up front should greatly improve the floundering Browns’ defense, which ranked a lowly 30th last season. Better defense will produce shorter drives and more opportunities for Anderson & Co. to get on the field and amass big numbers.

What does this all mean for fantasy?

At this point Anderson, Edwards and Winslow are all solid fantasy choices. Stallworth is a bit of a wild card, but he’s definitely worth a flier, while Rucker is a sleeper pick who could make an impact. The biggest question mark in this group, though, is Lewis. As a 28-year-old with over 2,000 carries in his career, one has to wonder just how much he has left in the tank. Then again, that was a concern last year and he surprised everyone.

Training Camp: An entirely new kind of fantasy game!
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About Dan Davis

I'm a 23 year professional camel trainer, well exercised in the disciplines of pass rushing and mass texting. I'm an avid fan NAIA Men's Lacrosse, and I regularly paratroop on the weekend. Any questions feel free to ask.
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