Browns Beat: 'Can see' Duke Johnson catching 70-plus passes

Jul 20, 2016

Browns beat writer Tony Grossi: Even though Hue Jackson’s offense is built off the running game, I don’t expect Isaiah Crowell or Duke Johnson to topple 1,000 yards rushing individually. I can see them combining for 1,500 yards and Johnson totaling 70 or more receptions.

Fantasy Impact:

Let's put Grossi's prediction into perspective: Since 2010, seven running backs have caught between 60-69 passes. They finished with an average ranking of RB9 (PPR), with the lowest finish at RB24 (which was Duke Johnson last year). Nine running backs finished with 70-79 catches with an average finish of RB8. The lowest finish was RB23 (Darren Sproles, 2013). Five backs caught 80-plus passes in a season since 2010 with an average PPR finish of RB6 and a low of RB18 (Theo Riddick, 2015). Johnson is currently the #19 RB off the board in PPR formats. Considering only two of 21 running backs with 60-plus catches in the last six years finished below that level, he's a good bet to return value. Assuming Grossi's prediction is correct, he has upside from there. Fifteen of the 21 running backs with 60-plus catches finished in the top 12 in PPR formats.

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Chargers set to open window for RB J.K. Dobbins (knee)

Daniel Popper on X

0 minutes ago

Chargers will be opening J.K. Dobbins' 21-day window today, Jim Harbaugh tells reporters.

Related players: Gus Edwards

Fantasy Impact:

Dobbins has been on IR for the past four games with a knee injury. He's not a lock to play this week and he's not a lock for a safe workload even if he does play. The Chargers travel to New England in Week 17, so the matchup isn't a bad one. It's an early window game on Sunday, so owners should have plenty of notice. We'll also keep an eye on the practice reports this week.

Dolphins unsure of WR Jaylen Waddle's (knee) status for Week 17

Barry Jackson on X

5 minutes ago

McDaniel non-committal on whether Jaylen Waddle (knee) will practice this week: "I'm expecting to get everything from Waddle that he can do... I've [talked to] the trainer to make sure we protect him from himself. We will see how the week progresses. I don't know exactly what it will look like."

Fantasy Impact:

Waddle owners should probably not count on Waddle for Week 17, or at the very least have a backup plan. Waddle and the Dolphins play the Browns in the later window on Sunday so it could further complicate things for owners who were hoping to play him.

Texans WR Tank Dell tore ACL, dislocated knee

DJ Bien-Aime on X

9 minutes ago

DeMeco Ryans says WR Tank Dell tore his ACL along with dislocating his knee.

Fantasy Impact:

No surprises here as it was a terrible injury to watch during the game. While he's obviously out for the season, the bigger question is what will his status be for 2025. It's a huge question mark at this point given the seriousness of the injury. Even if Dell is able to play next season, he may take a while to get back to 100%.