Getty Gallery: 4/5
150-Max Entry Lineup
– CAPTAIN: Jarvis Landry ($15,600)
– Baker Mayfield ($11,400)
– Nick Chubb ($11,200)
– Tim Patrick ($5,800)
– Greg Joseph ($3,200)
– Breshad Perriman ($2,800)
There's an obvious focus here on this lineup, and it was to target the Browns offense and then look at a boom-or-bust play on the Broncos side. Obviously, there's a focus on game script here and the belief that the Browns put up major points, or at the very least produce a high yardage total.
I do believe the Broncos will prove to be more popular in terms of go-to fantasy football targets for this showdowns late. Denver has a few of the top value-saving players and also a running back in a great spot. This is why I flipped to look at the other direction and make an effort to load up on Cleveland.
There's risk with this lineup, but that becomes wildly apparent with the Breshad Perriman choice. To be honest, I can't fault many for wanting to play it a bit safer with the optimal, or at the very least the single-entry/cash (next up). Both of those have plenty of appeal on each side of the ball, but there's a reason to give Perriman a chance here.
I went back to Week 12 and evaluated Perriman's workload, and the numbers are interesting. As Football Outsiders shows, he played 55, 46 and 37 percent of the snaps in the past three games. Obviously, that 37 percent was impacted by the fact that the Cleveland offense ran just 45 offensive plays all game.
Although Perriman isn't a player who'll see double-digit targets, since receiving six looks back in early November against the Kansas City Chiefs, he's drawn two targets in each game but one. More importantly, the former Baltimore Ravens pass-catcher is coming off an 81-yard game against the Carolina Panthers, as he showcased his big-play ability.
Browns Offensive Outlook vs. Broncos
The Browns face a tall task heading across the country after a big win against the Panthers, there's no question about that. But I'm also not willing to put anything past a new-look Cleveland group which features a confident trio leading their offense.
And while Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb and Jarvis Landry are all going to garnish high ownership, for at least one of the 150-max lineups I'll create, they'll all be together. If Cleveland's solid offense play can continue against a Broncos defense who's struggled against a few areas where the Browns thrive, then this is a great setup.
There's a risk in going heavy on Browns players on the road, but that's what you need to look for in 150-max games to some extent. Landry's matchup with the Broncos defense who's allowed 14 touchdowns this year looks great on paper, and the absence of Chris Harris helps. Pairing him up with Mayfield, who's hit double-digit touchdown passes in five of the last seven games, is a strong stack option.
The situation with Chubb is one worth mentioning as well. The Denver run defense isn't one I'd go out of my way to pick on. After all, but they've allowed a modest 1,412 rushing yards on 296 carries along with 64 receptions for 565 yards and nine total touchdowns to runners. But the fact that Chubb is seeing the bulk of the work both on the ground and through the air puts him in play.
Last week, the Browns rookie running back caught 4-of-6 targets and in the three games prior he totaled three receptions in each. There's going to be a heavy dose of work going to Chubb once again this week and he's looked more than ready for it.
For those who aren't interested in the Breshad Perriman risk, the single entry/cash lineup is far more balanced and I'll evaluate that option next.