The 2016 Cleveland Browns Fantasy Football Preview

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Sep 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) gets hit by Chicago Bears inside linebacker Christian Jones (52) during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Backs: Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson

Stats: Crowell – 706 yards rushing, 4 TDs; 19 catches, 182 yards receiving, 1 TD; 16 games played; Johnson – 379 yards rushing, 0 TDs; 61 catches, 534 yards receiving, 2 TDs; 16 games played

Like many NFL rushing attacks, the Browns use a committee. For experienced fantasy players, typically, a backfield committee is something to shy away from. However, the Browns’ backfield may be something atypical this season.

Coach Jackson loved to run the ball in Cincinnati, with both Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard. He now has something very similar in Cleveland, with Crowell playing the role of Hills, Johnson as his Bernard.

Crowell rushed for his career high in rushing yards during 2015. He’s looked very good during the preseason. One of the biggest knocks on the third-year pro has been his indecisiveness in the backfield. Crowell has been hitting the hole hard, which has led to solid runs and snaps exclusively with the first-team offense.

The only thing working against Crowell is the Browns’ poor defense. He is not a great receiver out of the backfield, so his playing time will decrease in blowouts. Still, there is going to be a defined role for Crowell, and he will get his share of touches. The Crow can be rostered as a RB3/4, but his week-to-week role may fluctuate frequently.

.@IsaiahCrowell34 plows his way into the end zone from 4 yards out!#CHIvsCLE https://t.co/LrNivhCrTV
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 2, 2016

Johnson, who had a solid rookie season, is looking to take the next step forward this season. He operated as the passing back behind Crowell all of last season, receiving most of his touches in games the team trailed. However, Johnson, who is healthy to start the season, is likely to see his role increase this year.

More touches will be available to him in the passing game thanks to playing with a poor defense. Also, Johnson is set to receive more carries in between the tackles, as Jackson emphasizes running the football. Duke is going to be more valuable in PPR leagues, where he will open the season as a RB2/flex. However, in non-PPR leagues, he is a mere weekly flex play.

Next: Wide Receivers

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