FanProphet

Cleveland Browns

According to Aikmans efficiency rankings (AER) the Cleveland Browns ranked 30th in offensive production during the 2006 season. Even though the Browns have improved their offensive line it looks as if it may be much of the same until Crennel decides that Quinn is ready to play. There’s no question that this team is void of a superstar fantasy point producer, however, they do possess a few talents that may fill in nicely as 2nd or 3rd options. With that in mind, even though the Browns will struggle at times, do not disregard any of these players as fantasy point producers.

Charlie Frye: With the Browns drafting Brady Quinn as their future quarterback the obviously do not have any plans of using Frye in the future. If you have read my previous post on Brady Quinn, I don’t see Frye finishing this season with the starting job, thus, not even worthy of a fantasy thought.

Jamal Lewis: Somebody has to run the ball in Cleveland and what better option than Jamal Lewis. He’s big, relatively durable, and can take the rigorous punishment that NFL defenses inflict on runningbacks. With the offensive line improving there are a couple of positives to consider in regards to Lewis running the ball. 1) He plays against the Ravens twice this season. Which means, he’s motivated to prove that they made a mistake by not resigning him 2) This division has some of the biggest rivalries in all of professional sports, therefore, the Browns will remain somewhat competive during these games 3) Lewis is a competitor and remains a punishing back.

The downside may be that Lewis (heading into his 8th season) has tremendous wear and tear and he has only had one season of double digit touchdowns.

Braylon Edwards: Edwards is a third year receiver who has shown signs of greatness thus far in his young career. If Edwards follows the trend of other great receivers who have had breakthrough third seasons, he should have a good season. It’s too bad that Edwards is the only true bright spot on a relatively weak offense. In terms of fantasy production, Edwards is a 2nd receiver option at best, but as the season progresses and Brady Quinn has the opportunity to showcase his talents, look for Edwards to improve his fantasy numbers.

Kellen Winslow: If Edwards didn’t have a quality tight-end in Kellen Winslow, I would say the Browns need to go to NFL Europa and come back prepared for the 2008 season. Winslow is a quality tight-end and worthy of cracking someones fantasy roster as a starter. It’s obviously a no-brainer considering there aren’t many tight-ends to choose from.

DEFENSE: This may be the only bright spot on a franchise that will be lucky to win four games. This unit will improve but not much better than a 2nd defensive option in terms of fantasy production.

Phil Dawson: The Browns offense will not offer much help by putting Dawson in a position to score many points, however, that may be good. Dawson is coming off of an abysmal season where he scored a meager eighty-eight points and only made 72% of his field goal opportunities. No matter how you look at it that is an awful performance so do not be surprised if Dawson finds himself on the waiver wire if his lack of consistency continues.