There are unlimited headlines to focus on as the Cleveland Browns host the New York Jets on Thursday night football. In this space, we will focus on the fantasy football aspect of tonight's showdown on the shores of Lake Erie.
Both teams have a few options that can help you tonight, but the only player universally started at the moment has to be Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry (and even he has been limited this week due to injury). Cleveland's starting running back Carlos Hyde should be in most lineups even though he could arrive late following the birth of his son, while both team defenses look like solid starting options for Week 3 as well.
New York Jets receiver Quincy Enunwa is also on the cusp of must-start territory, at least in PPR leagues. Enunwa has been a compete target hog through the first two games, getting 21 looks and turning them into 13 catches for 155 yards and a score. I'd feel comfortable starting Enunwa as a WR3 in all leagues for the time being.
After that, things get a bit shaky, and while there are at least five other players that may be considered, no one else is a guarantee. Both Jets running backs, Bilal Powell and Isaiah Crowell, are potential flex options, but can't be started with much confidence as both are hit-or-miss prospects.
The Browns rush defense ranks in the bottom third of the league in fantasy points allowed so far this season, though they did a good job of stopping the Saints rushing attack last week. Despite their low rank against the run, the Browns defense has been solid overall, making both Jet running backs risky propositions.
The Browns have a very risky proposition in their backfield as well. Former PPR standout Duke Johnson has become an afterthought in the Browns offense to begin the season. He has received just 11 total touches, eight carries and three catches. Those 11 touches have gone for a combined 35 yards and zero touchdowns, making Johnson an easy bench at the moment.
The pass-catcher's after Landry and Enunwa are for very desperate owners only. On the Jets side, 2017 darling Robby Anderson has completely disappeared, turning into possible cut material. Browns castoff Terrelle Pryor will also get adequate time out wide for the Jets but is better left on the wire.
As for the Browns, there are a few interesting pass-catching options beyond Landry, but they all come with a ton of risk. Antonio Callaway is suddenly one of the hotter adds in the fantasy world, getting a boost with Josh Gordon's departure followed by a big-time touchdown catch in last week's game against the Saints.
Tight end David Njoku is flushed with talent and potential but still has yet to put it all together. Despite a more than respectable 14 targets through two games, Njoku has caught just seven balls for a meager 33 yards and no touchdowns.
His touchdown upside along with the struggles of similar tight ends keeps him as an option for desperate owners, but the majority of season-long competitors should shy away.
Neither quarterback is a top 10 option, but Tyrod Taylor is once again squarely one of the top streaming options of the week. Both kickers can safely be avoided, though the game script seems to point to a few possible opportunities for both.
As a Clevelander, the whole kicker thing is a sore subject at the moment, so we'll just leave that alone.
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