Well, it started out well for the Cleveland Browns. But there’s a reason why the Cincinnati Bengals are now 8-0.
The Browns were shut out in the second half, losing 31-10 to the Bengals on Thursday night in Cincinnati. After a stellar first half by the Johnny Manziel-led offense for Cleveland, the Bengals made sure to let Manziel beat them from the pocket. He couldn’t do it.
Let’s take a look at Manziel as well as two other key offensive players for the Browns and their fantasy outlook going forward.
Johnny Manziel
The former Heisman Trophy winner couldn’t have played a better first half. The first 30 minutes for Manziel were worthy of a starting-caliber fantasy quarterback.
Manziel went 11-of-18 for 128 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Because of his playmaking ability, he was the reason why the Browns only trailed 14-10 heading into halftime.
The second half, on the other hand, showed why Manziel is still too risky of an option to have as a QB1, let alone a QB2. He completed four of 15 passes for only 40 yards. Manziel didn’t turn the ball over, which was good, but he took too many unnecessary sacks and tried too hard to extend the play.
With the quarterback conundrum that continues to happen in Cleveland, who knows if Manziel will even be a starter in Week 10? Asking Manziel to go into Cincinnati and beat one of the only undefeated teams left was a tall task.
That first half was an indication that Manziel can be solid, but he still has plenty of room left to grow before he becomes a viable option to start on your fantasy team. Stay away going forward.
Travis Benjamin
Cleveland is asking Travis Benjamin to be somebody he never was when he played for the Miami Hurricanes: a No. 1 option in the passing game.
Yes, Benjamin has had two fantastic games this year, eclipsing 100 yards against the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans. But since Week 3 against the Oakland Raiders, Benjamin has not scored a touchdown and has now gone three straight games under 50 receiving yards.
Benjamin has and will always be best utilized in the return game. As far as a WR1, WR2 or even a flex option, he’s too inconsistent to make anything happen. This lackluster three-game stretch Benjamin is on has been a clear indication of where the Browns offense is going with this inconsistent play at quarterback.
Asking Benjamin to do more than what he’s capable of is not a recipe for success, and he should not be touched as a fantasy option at any point going forward.
Gary Barnidge
One of the biggest surprises in the fantasy spectrum this year has been tight end Gary Barnidge. He’s been the most inconsistent offensive option Cleveland has had this year.
Coming into Thursday, all of Barnidge’s six touchdowns have come in the last seven games. Even when the yards haven’t been available, Barnidge has made the most of his time in the end zone.
Barnidge was contained on Thursday, only catching two passes. But he’s been Mr. Reliable for whoever has been under center for Cleveland this year. He’s made plays when no one else has.
It’s been a down year for tight ends—so much so that ESPN has Barnidge as the second-highest scoring tight end in fantasy this year. Just by that alone, even with a one-off game like Thursday against the Bengals, Barnidge should always be your top tight end option whenever available.
He’s going to have off nights because no one else can make plays consistently in the passing game for the Browns. Barnidge should remain in your starting lineup for the rest of the year, barring injury.
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