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Fantasy Football 2016 Preview: Cleveland Browns running backs

By Zachary Thompson

Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Chris Conte (23) defends Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Chris Conte (23) defends Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 7, 2016; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson Jr, (29) runs a drill during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson Jr, (29) runs a drill during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Browns Running Backs-Overall Outlook

Cleveland’s offense will be a whole new beast this season after the Browns brought in Hue Jackson for (another) complete rebuild. Jackson plans on calling the plays himself and serving as the team’s offensive coordinator as well as head coach.  He did add former Raiders OC Al Saunders as senior offensive assistant, but look for the system to be all Jackson’s on offense.

To get an idea of what to expect, it’s worth noting that the Bengals had one of the highest rushing play percentages of any team in the NFL last season.  Jackson and the Bengals ran the ball 45.80% of the time which was good enough for seventh in the NFL ahead of teams like the Bears and Bucs who many think of as run-first offenses. Cincinnati was seventh in the league in rushing attempts, 13th in rushing yards, and fourth in rushing touchdowns.

While Jackson will definitely run an offense that showcases the Browns talent at QB and WR, look for him to get the Browns running backs heavily involved throughout the season. This offseason, the Browns didn’t make any changes to their backfield personnel focusing instead on changing coaches, QBs, and receivers.

Coming into the season, it looks like a timeshare between Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson. There isn’t much depth behind that two-headed monster which could mean fantasy opportunity from the waiver wire later this season

Let’s take a look at each of the Browns running backs coming into the season and what I think their fantasy potential is. We’ll examine the upside of each option, where they’re currently being drafted (according to fantasypros.com ADP), and what you can expect from them this season.

Next: Probably the early down back at least early in the season

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