Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns
Buffalo and Cleveland had a very classic Bills vs Browns match. Plenty of sloppy play and missed opportunities. These two teams have a history of interesting matchups and this 19-16 Browns victory lived up to it. Neither team was able to muster much offense throughout the game. All and all it truly came down to the last play and a missed Steve Hauschka game-winning attempt. The Browns were able to get their first win a month while handing the Bills their first road loss of the season,
Cleveland Browns
Quarterback
- Baker Mayfield 26/38, 238 Yards, 2TDs
Baker peppered Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr with targets all game. The addition of Hunt as a pass-catching option out of the backfield was instantly utilized as a valve for Baker. There is reason to be cautiously optimistic because of the skill players around Mayfield. However, until we see more consistent production it will be hard to trust him as anything more than a high end streaming QB.
Running Backs
- Nick Chubb: 20 Carries, 116 Yards | 4 targets, 2 receptions, 5 yards
- Kareem Hunt: 4 Carries, 30 Yards | 9 targets, 7 receptions, 44 yards
The running backs provided a lot of value for the Browns this week and looks like the position of strength on the roster going forward. Chubb is one of the best power backs in the NFL. He commands a high touch amount on his own and is a clear RB1. Hunt is a low-end RB2/flex play after a very encouraging first game back. His value as a pass-catcher is what makes him so interesting. Being the 3rd leading targeted player behind Landry and Beckham. Consider trading for Hunt if you need an upside play these next few weeks to sneak into the playoffs. There are more than enough touches to go around for both Chubb and Hunt to be starting fantasy backs.
Wide Receivers
- Odell Beckham Jr: 9 targets, 5 receptions, 57 yards
- Jarvis Landry: 12 targets, 9 receptions, 97 Yards, 1 TD
On the bright side, the connection between Landry, Beckham, and Mayfield seems to be coming into shape now. However, no other pass-catchers made any serious impact in the game besides Hunt. This is a two-horse race with the Browns and their pass catching. Fantasy wise while they are healthy both should be seeing a bump going forward riding the positive momentum from the win.
Buffalo Bills
Quarterback
- Josh Allen 22/41, 266 Yards | 6 carries, 22 yards, 2 TD
Josh Allen is still a low-end QB1. Allen was not accurate enough to push the bills over the mountain this week. That being said he is showing a lot of positive growth and looks to be the part of a future pro bowl regular if he can improve his accuracy. Meanwhile, his legs saved the day. He is a constant threat on the ground.
Running Backs
- Devin Singletary: 8 carries, 42 yards | 7 targets, 3 receptions, 8 yards
- Frank Gore: 5 carries 12 yards | 1 target, 1 reception, 1 yard
The Browns defense came to play this week. It was a down week for the Bills run game and that is represented most clearly in the number of times Allen had to pass the ball. The targets were there again for Singletary which is very encouraging to see. It was an unfortunate down week but I would still consider Singletary a trade deadline add RB2 the rest of the way.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
- John Brown: 5 receptions 77 Yards
- Dawson Knox: 4 receptions 55 Yards
- Cole Beasley: 4 receptions 74 yards
Sixteen to nineteen games do not dictate many touchdowns scored. Considering Josh Allen ran 2 himself there was not much in the way of potential points left for pass catchers this week. The Bills often struggle to get anyone other than John Brown involved but as of the last few weeks, Knox and Beasley have developed roles. Knox has more touchdown upside while Beasley is probably a safer weekly floor. Neither are that thrilling of options yet. That could change though as the Bills make a push for the playoffs the rest of the season.
— John Romanelli