John Brown

Week 2 at Cincinnati Bengals

John Brown was only targeted four times last week against the Bills, but he caught three of them for 44 yards and a touchdown. In a blowout win, quarterback Joe Flacco spread the ball around to his newly-acquired targets, and the Ravens offense looked primed for a resurgence this season. Brown has some upside if he can stay healthy.

This week, Brown will face a Bengals defense that gave up eight catches to Ryan Grant last week as the Colts’ No. 2 WR. Brown should continue to be an active part of the passing game. While he carries risk due to the Ravens' historically erratic passing offense, he should be considered a sneaky low-end WR3 option in deep leagues.

Fantasy Upside

After a couple of down years, John Brown gets a fresh start with the Ravens, and should have the inside track at winning a starting job opposite Michael Crabtree. Brown showed considerable promise early in his career, highlighted by a sophomore campaign in 2015 where he finished with 65 receptions, 1,003 yards, and 7 touchdowns. Brown is still only 28, and Joe Flacco will be the second-best quarterback he’s had after a myriad of substitutions and journeymen in Arizona.

Fantasy Downside

Brown has dealt with sickle cell trait and has missed time in each of the last three seasons. He was limited to only 10 games and 21 receptions last year, and his catch-rate of 37.5 percent was well below his career average of 52.1 percent. Some of that was due to poor quarterback play, but much of it showed just how much Brown struggled. Brown will be vying with Willie Snead for No. 2 WR duties, and if he can’t stay healthy or return to his 2015 form, he may fall behind early.

2018 Bottom Line

Brown is a risky bet, but he’s worth considering in the later rounds of the draft. Because he has the potential to earn a starting job, he has the potential to be a steady producer. The Ravens were 11th in pass attempts last season and ninth in completion percentage, so if Brown can beat out Snead and stay on the field, he could be a steal on the back end of a roster.

Week 10 vs. Seattle Seahawks

John Brown only caught 1-of-4 passes thrown to him last week against the Colts, but at least it was a 52-yard reception. Brown was tied for second on the team in targets and he should continue to start opposite Larry Fitzgerald. However, with Drew Stanton at quarterback, Jaron Brown and J.J. Nelson still eating up targets, and a tough Seattle defense next on the schedule, Brown should remain on your bench. He may even belong on waivers.