Since coming into the league two years ago, Travis Benjamin has been a source of big plays for the Cleveland Browns. Most of Benjamin’s big moments have come on special teams, but he did catch a 69-yard touchdown against Washington back in 2012. Unfortunately, a torn ACL cost Benjamin a good portion of the 2013 season. He appears to be healthy again and is part of a Cleveland receiving corps reeling from the suspension of Josh Gordon. Will Gordon’s absence lead to a bigger role for Benjamin?
Fantasy Upside
The Browns would prefer to primarily utilize Benjamin on returns, where he has returned two punts for touchdowns in his young career. However, they may have to give him a bigger offensive role at some point. While Travis is coming off an injury of his own, Cleveland’s top two receivers, Andrew Hawkins and Miles Austin, also missed time with injuries last year. Austin was a player in decline during recent seasons in Dallas and Hawkins is still largely unproven.
Fantasy Downside
As long as Austin and Hawkins perform adequately, Travis won’t be used as anything more than a role player. Even if Benjamin’s role in the offense ends up growing, Cleveland is going to have a run-centric scheme and tight end Jordan Cameron will get most of the targets. Quarterbacks Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer have struggled during the preseason as the Browns appear to have the makings of one of the weaker offenses in the entire league.
Bottom Line
The storyline remains the same with Travis. If you are in a return yardage league, he can help you. Otherwise, leave him on the waiver wire.
