Hollywood Brown

Fantasy Upside
Marquise Brown had a terrific 2021 season (91-1,008-6) for the Baltimore Ravens, but a trade to the Cardinals led to a drop in production last year. Brown also sustained a foot injury in mid-October that caused him to miss five games. In six games prior to the injury, Brown caught 43 passes for 485 yards and three touchdowns. After his return, he had 24 receptions for 224 yards and no scores. With DeAndre Hopkins no longer in the picture, Arizona will be looking to see the early-season version of Brown on the second go-around. His lone 100-yard outing came in Week 3, the same contest in which he caught a career-high 14 passes. He also had an eight-reception game two weeks later.

Fantasy Downside
It's hard to get excited about Brown's chances of consistently delivering at a high level with questions surrounding the timetable for Kyler Murray's return from his ACL, the Cardinals coaching change and Hopkins' release. Colt McCoy has been capable in the past, but it's not clear what direction this passing attack will take until Murray returns. Remember, Brown's touchdown count was a career low despite having Murray as his quarterback. He had 21 in three seasons with the Ravens with Lamar Jackson as the primary QB. Brown's average yards per catch also was a career low. Part of that is attributable to the struggles after his return from the foot injury.

2023 Bottom Line
It's fair to say many fantasy managers were surprised to see wide receivers with what were perceived to be less-than-ideal QB situations fare better than expected last year (DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, Amari Cooper and Garrett Wilson come immediately to mind). Still, it's difficult to see a path for Brown to radically outperform his WR27 ranking.

Week 16 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Marquise “Hollywood” Brown had four catches for just 19 yards last week against the Broncos. While it’s nice to see him get eight targets in two straight games without Kyler Murray, the yardage totals have been bad and he hasn’t found the end zone since returned from injury in late-November.

Brown is worth considering as a WR3 option because of a nice matchup with the Buccaneers, who rank 25th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. The quarterback situation could be ugly however, so as a WR2, he’s too risky. The big-play potential is always there, but if you have better options, you may want to look elsewhere outside of deeper leagues.

Week 14 vs. New England Patriots

Marquise “Hollywood” Brown returned to action against the Chargers before the bye last week and was a big part of the offense. While he only gained 46 yards, he caught six balls and was targeted eight times. Brown should continue to start opposite DeAndre Hopkins, forming a formidable 1-2 punch at the wide receiver spot for quarterback Kyler Murray.

This week, Brown faces a Patriots defense that ranks 12th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. It’s not an easy matchup, but with his targets in his return and his potential for big plays, he should still be considered a viable WR2 option in most leagues.