Cleveland Browns DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins is being benched in Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs and is a healthy scratch on Sunday. Hopkins has missed six of his last nine field-goal chances, including two in the Week 14 loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. As a result, the Browns added Riley Patterson to their practice squad earlier this week, and he will now serve as the team's placekicker in Week 15. Hopkins felt confident that he had a good week of practice, but the Browns apparently felt otherwise and were not comfortable using him this weekend. If Patterson also struggles against KC, perhaps Cleveland will turn back to Hopkins in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals. On the year, the 34-year-old Hopkins has made only 64% of his field goals (16-for-25) while also missing two of his 18 extra-point attempts in 13 games.

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (hamstring) wasn't able to do enough during pre-game workouts to convince the coaching staff to play him this weekend and he's been officially ruled out for Sunday's contest against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15. The Browns said early this week that it was looking unlikely that Njoku would be able to play after getting injured in the Week 14 loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite missing practice all week, though, Njoku wasn't ruled out and was listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. We now know fantasy managers won't have Njoku this week, and quarterback Jameis Winston will also be without receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) for a third straight game. Jordan Akins will likely see more action with Njoku out, but receivers Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore will most likely benefit the most from a fantasy perspective.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Michael Woods II is expected to serve as the third wideout for the Week 15 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Browns will be without Cedric Tillman (concussion) for the third straight week. As a result, Woods should see more work on the field, but he doesn't offer great fantasy value. Over the last two games, Woods has four receptions for 55 yards and no scores. Possibly, Woods takes on a bigger role if tight end David Njoku (hamstring) is unable to go. At best, Woods is a desperation flex option in deep leagues for Week 15.

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (hamstring) remains questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs. However, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the veteran "will work out pre-game to see if he is able to play." Njoku hasn't been terrible this season, compiling 56 catches for 439 yards. He also has five touchdowns, one away from his career-high. But fantasy managers should have a backup plan in case Njoku can't get out there, although No. 2 tight end Jordan Akins might not be the best choice for a replacement.

Despite being 3-10 heading into a Week 15 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Cleveland Browns expect quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles), reigning NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry to return in 2025, according to sources. Watson's role, however, is up in the air with the Browns moving forward after he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear midseason. Cleveland traded three first-round picks to the Texans to acquire Watson in 2022 and then signed him to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract. Since joining the team, he has played in just 19 games and has posted a weak 80.7 passer rating when on the field. A post-June 1 release of Watson would create around $119 million in dead money, which would be the most in NFL history. The Browns are stuck with Watson for now, and he'll be off the fantasy radar coming off his serious injury in 2025.