Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, November 3, 2024, 1:00 ET
Location: Huntington Bank Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
Network: CBS
Writer: Chris Helle
Los Angeles Chargers
Quarterback
Justin Herbert: Sit, QB2
Herbert is a very talented and capable QB, but the Chargers are a run-first offense. Last week was the only week that he broke 15 fantasy points, and it was against a banged-up Saints team. Even if he can put up respectable numbers through the air against this Browns defense, Herbert doesn’t typically provide much upside on the ground. If you’re in need, he is an OK fallback to put in – but there may be better options out there.
Running Back
J.K. Dobbins: Start, RB2
Kimani Vidal: Sit
J.K. Dobbins‘ production has simmered a bit since his back-to-back 20-point weeks to start the year, but Greg Roman’s offense leans heavily toward the ground. While the matchup isn’t necessarily very favorable, volume is Dobbins’ best friend, as he’s seen between 14-25 carries since Week 1. Leaning on Dobbins doesn’t leave much work for Kimani Vidal, who should remain on the bench until we see more reliable usage out of him.
Wide Receiver
Ladd McConkey: Start, WR2
Quentin Johnston: FLEX Option, WR4
Josh Palmer: Sit
It was the much-awaited breakout game from rookie Ladd McConkey last week. He seems to have solidified himself as Herbert’s go-to guy, whereas Quentin Johnston only sees a handful of downfield targets that land him in boom/bust territory. You may want to look elsewhere for your FLEX than Johnston, but there is a chance at least one deep ball hits. The emergence of McConkey edges out much of the usage for Josh Palmer, who should be left on the bench.
Tight End
Will Dissly: Sit, TE2
While Dissly has put together a couple of respectable games, his involvement isn’t very reliable. He’s a streaming candidate for those who are needy but shouldn’t be played ahead of plenty of other TE options.
Cleveland Browns
Quarterback
Jameis Winston: Sit, QB2
No doubt about it: Jameis was awesome in his return to action last week. The Chargers’ secondary isn’t necessarily a matchup to avoid, but we should wait another week for more information before throwing him in the starting lineup.
Running Back
Nick Chubb: FLEX Option, RB3
Jerome Ford: Sit
Just about everyone wants to see Nick Chubb succeed in his comeback tour, but at this early stage of his return, he’s not quite reached the level of being a definite starter. He did see 16 carries last week, and we all know he’s been impressive in years past, so a breakout game could be on the horizon. LA’s defense has allowed the sixth-fewest rushing yards from scrimmage, so there’s uncertainty that this is the week. Chubb’s return has also taken the opportunities away from Jerome Ford, who himself is also returning from a minor injury.
Wide Receiver
Cedric Tillman: FLEX Option, WR3
Jerry Jeudy: Sit
Elijah Moore: Sit
Jameis Winston at the helm has allowed the receiving corps to be upgraded from definite sit candidates to viable starting options. It’s important not to overreact to last week, though, because the Ravens have allowed the most receiving yards to be thrown against them in the entire league, and the Browns were riding a wave of momentum at home. Cedric Tillman appears to be Jameis’ preferred option, as he’s seen 21 targets in the past two games compared to Jerry Jeudy’s 14, so he could be strongly considered to be thrown in your lineup – especially in PPR leagues.
Tight End
David Njoku: Start, TE1
Another beneficiary of the change at QB, Njoku is one of the best pass-catching TEs in the league and has the strength to break tackles in the open field. He’s seen 15 receptions on 21 targets for 137 yards and 2 TDs over the last two weeks. Seeing as many targets as the top receiver, his talent, plus the red zone work, is enough to say he’s a starter almost every week.