Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, November 21st, at 1:00 PM EST
Location: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
Betting Odds: DET +10, 46.5 total via Oddsshark
Network: FOX
Detroit Lions
Quarterback
Jared Goff (Sit), Tim Boyle (Sit)
The Browns defense has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to QB’s this season, but that means nothing for Jared Goff, who has been putrid for the winless Lions. He holds an 8:6 TD to interception ratio, and his best game/only 300+ yard performance came in Week 1. Goff is apparently dealing with an oblique injury suffered in last week’s tie with Pittsburgh, and as of Wednesday, Tim Boyle is taking first-time reps. Not as if you needed clarification, but keep Goff & Boyle firmly on your league’s wire.
Running Backs
D’Andre Swift (Start, Low-end RB1)
Similar to the Browns, the Lions offense relies heavily on the run-game; in part of the QB and WR room being irrelevant. D’Andre Swift has not had the best of seasons this year, although last week against the Steelers, he was plenty busy, carrying the ball 33 times for 130 yards, as well as catching three of six targets for (somehow) just five yards. With fellow backs Jamaal Williams and now Jermar Jefferson dealing with injuries, look for another heavy day for Swift against a Browns defense that has allowed the 11th fewest fantasy points to RB’s on the season.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Kalif Raymond (Sit), Amon-Ra St. Brown (Sit), T.J. Hockenson (Start, TE2)
The target share has been there for Amon-Ra St. Brown, but like Kalif Raymond, both receivers hold zero fantasy relevancy with Goff in at QB. The only viable option to start in this Lions offense aside from Swift is T.J. Hockenson, who fantasy managers are not happy with after Week 10. Hock’ somehow laid a goose egg in a game that went the distance in overtime; and here’s the real kicker: he had 1 target on the day! Inexcusable to say the least. You’ll continue to start him, but it’ll be hard to trust his output on a weekly basis considering how poor the Detroit passing game is.
Cleveland Browns
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield (Sit)
Even with a plus-matchup on deck for Baker Mayfield upcoming against the winless Lions, he still has not been a viable streaming option this fantasy season. Not to mention, his knee is a bit banged up at the hands of the New England defense in the 45-7 beatdown that took place in Week 10. X-rays determined there is no structural damage for Mayfield, but this offense is not very inviting except for the running backs. In a week where only Matthew Stafford and Teddy Bridgewater are on their BYE, you could do better at the QB position than Mayfield.
Running Backs
Nick Chubb (Start if active, RB1), D’Ernest Johnson (Sit)
As of writing on Wednesday, Nick Chubb remains on the team’s COVID-19 list having missed Week 10. due to a positive test. It’s a smash-spot for Chubb, and if he returns, he’ll face a Detroit defense that has given up the fourth-most fantasy points to RB’s on the year. Chubb essentially is the lone bright spot in the Browns offense this season. D’Ernest Johnson, again without Chubb or Kareem Hunt in the fold, shined as the lead back last week. However, unlike Hunt, it’s hard to insert him in your lineup when Chubb is active. Presumably, because Johnson and Chubb have a similar skill set, whereas Hunt offers more pass-catching involvement. Consider holding Johnson until there is clarity on the status of Chubb, and if he were to miss, Johnson will resume RB1 duties.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Jarvis Landry (Sit), Donovan Peoples-Jones (Sit), David Njoku (Sit), Austin Hooper (Sit)
As I’ve mentioned plenty already, the Browns offense, for fantasy purposes, quite literally runs through their running backs. It’s hard to trust the likes of Jarvis Landry and Donovan Peoples-Jones when Mayfield has been as poor as he has. Landry is the more reliable of the two, and it’s hard to insert DPJ into your lineup just yet, even with the departure of Odell Beckham Jr.. As far as the tight ends go, it’s also hard to stream David Njoku and Austin Hooper. With only Noah Fant and Tyler Higbee on BYE’s, you should be taking your chances elsewhere at the TE position this week.
-Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ Twitter & Reddit)