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Cleveland Browns 2007 Fantasy Review
Posted on: 03-04-08
By Blake Genraich
Outside the New England Patriots, perhaps the best story in fantasy
football in '07 were the Cleveland Browns. Why? No one went into the
season expecting monster numbers from these guys. They had major
question marks at quarterback and running back with no guarantees that
the often injured duo of WR Braylon Edwards or TE Kellen Winslow would
prove to be consistent fantasy threats after breakthrough 2006
campaigns.
After a struggle in week one that led to the benching and subsequent
trade of the opening starter Charlie Frye, unheralded backup QB Derek
Anderson stepped in and the Browns' offense never looked back. It was
a remarkable year that had several fantasy stars evolve. In fact, many
of the Browns led fantasy teams to the playoffs, even though the
Cleveland club just missed out in reality.
QB
Derek Anderson; I'm sure we've all heard of him now, but back
in August 2006, he wasn't even a blip on the fantasy radar, and I
doubt anyone had even heard of him. Charlie Frye and much-ballyhooed
rookie Brady Quinn were the only names by most of the pundits.
So when Anderson stepped in after Frye's awful start (and immediate
trade to Seattle), no one could have envisioned what Anderson would
accomplish. His terrific run began with a 51-45 shootout win over the
Bengals, when Anderson threw for a stunning 5 TDs. Anderson would
finish the season with 3,787 yards, 29 TDs and 19 INTs, while helping
resurrect the Browns and nearly make the playoffs. The best
waiver-wire pickup of the season in every fantasy league, he won't be
a top pick in ‘08, but he certainly will go early. Thanks to his
recent contract signing, perhaps the Cleveland club will trade their
celebrated 2007 first round pick instead.
RB
When the Browns signed Jamal Lewis to a one year "try and buy,"
both sides were hoping for the best, but fantasy fans had reason to be
skeptical. His numbers for his last three seasons with the Ravens had
never approached his magical 2,000 yard ride of 2003. Fantasy GMs held
back on Lewis in August drafts, figuring he would be a mid-level steal
at best. Boy did he deliver - 1,304 yards (5th in the NFL) and 11
total TDs. (7th in the NFL with 9 rushing TDs). Anyone who gambled on
Lewis got paid handsomely, but don't expect Lewis to be a bargain next
year.
WR
Braylon Edwards wasn't exactly a secret going into the '07
season, but he wasn't regarded in fantasy circles as a bonafide
superstar that could carry a fantasy team. After an 80 catch, 1,289
yard and 16 TD season, the secret is out. The man is a star, and was
the second best WR in fantasy football after Randy Moss. With the
club's offensive starters intact for the '08 season, mark Edwards down
- if you want him on your team next year be prepared to ante up. He's
a first round or early second round pick at worst.
The team's other WR was the ever-dependable Joe Jurevicius.
He continued to provide GMs with a steady late round option. He
chipped in with 50 catches, 614 yards and 3 scores in the juggernaut
that was the Brown's passing game.
TE
Everyone in the NFL and fantasy world knew how talented Kellen
Winslow was, and were ecstatic to see him start to finally show
flashes of that brilliance in '06, when he had broken out with an 89
catch, 875 yard, 3 TD season. He was finally 100% healthy, and shot up
everyone's draft board at a very thin position for top-tier talent. In
'07, he went way beyond 'potential' and became a fantasy stud, perhaps
one of the top 2 or 3 players for future drafts at TE. He had a
memorable year with 82 receptions, 1,106 yards and 5 scores. The
increase in his YPG as well as the slight rise in his appearances in
the end zone demonstrated his game-breaker potential. As long as he
keeps himself well grounded and working hard, he’s one of the best
pass-catching TEs in the game; if not the best.
PK
No one piggybacks more off the success of a high-flying offense than
the kicker. In this case, Phil Dawson had one of his most
productive seasons, thanks to a club that found itself in the end zone
frequently. His totals were 120 points, 42 of them PATs and 26 FGs on
30 attempts, a sparkling 86.7%. As long as the Browns offensive
renaissance isn't a one-year wonder, Dawson should be a top choice at
kicker for '08.
OVERALL
Most fantasy fanatics are likely still in shock from the individual
success of several components of the club's offense. From the stunning
numbers of Anderson to the standout '07 seasons of Lewis, Edwards and
Winslow, the Browns won't fly under anyone's radar in fantasy drafts
come August. The only real question marks are at QB - is Anderson the
real deal? And second, was the success of the offense a fluke, or has
all of those high draft picks finally paid off? We should have a
concrete verdict in '08. |
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