Cleveland Browns DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Cleveland Browns running back David Njoku (hamstring) is not expected to take part in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Njoku injured his hamstring in the Week 14 loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and did not play in last Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Browns are hopeful that the 28-year-old tight end can return to play this Sunday against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, but a DNP to open the week isn't a great sign. However, Njoku still has two more days to return to practice, which would give him a chance to play this weekend. After slow going early in the year with quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) leading the offense, Njoku's fantasy stock was boosted when Jameis Winston took over. However, Winston was benched in Week 15, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start in Week 16. If Njoku returns this weekend, he may not have as much chemistry with DTR.

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he's "hopeful" that wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) can return and play in Week 16 against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals this coming Sunday. Stefanski said that Tillman is "getting better" after sustaining a concussion in the team's Week 12 upset win over the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. The 24-year-old second-year wideout has not played since, although he appears to be getting close to clearing the NFL's concussion protocol. We'll keep a close eye on Tillman's practice status this week. If he does make it back to play this weekend, it might be quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson running the offense after Jameis Winston was benched in the Week 15 loss to the Chiefs. Tillman had a nice run from Weeks 7-9 (21-255-3 line), but his fantasy value could be negatively affected by a QB change in Cleveland upon his return.

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he's "hopeful" that tight end David Njoku (hamstring) can play in Week 16 against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. Stefanski said that Njoku is "getting better" after he was forced to sit out of the Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs after injuring his hamstring the previous week in the loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. The 28-year-old's fantasy value had received a boost with quarterback Jameis Winston under center -- he had 16 reception on a whopping 30 targets for 94 yards and three touchdowns in his last two games. However, Winston was benched in the 21-7 loss to the Chiefs on Sunday, so it could be Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center against the Bengals this weekend, which could make Njoku a shakier TE1 option for fantasy managers if he returns to the field.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy caught 11 of his 14 targets for 108 yards in a 21-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15. Jeudy easily led all Cleveland pass-catchers in targets, receptions, and receiving yards in the blowout loss to the Chiefs while notching the third 100-yard receiving game in his past five contests. The only concern here for fantasy managers rostering Jeudy is that the Browns benched Jameis Winston late in the game after his third interception and turned to second-year QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Head coach Kevin Stefanski would not say who would be his starting quarterback in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals but a switch to DTR would be a negative for the entire Cleveland passing game. Stay tuned.

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford carried the ball seven times for 84 yards and a touchdown while catching both of his targets for 20 yards in a 21-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15. Ford saw some extra work with starter Nick Chubb leaving the game early with a broken foot. The veteran running back did most of his damage on a 62-yard touchdown in the third quarter, giving him his second touchdown of the season. With Chubb set to miss the remainder of the season, Ford will operate as the Browns' lead back for the remainder of the season and should be a priority waiver claim in the upcoming week.