A look at the five best fantasy football options (in no particular order) for the Browns at Eagles 2016 NFL Week 1 matchup on Sunday.
Gary Barnidge
A definite start for this Week 1 matchup, Barnidge will probably be among the preferred targets of Robert Griffin III on the field. The tight end out of Louisville has been in the league for nine seasons now and will continue to be a reliable receiver along with Josh Gordon while he’s there.
Gordon isn’t in the lineup for the first four games of the season due to suspension, leaving RG3 with one less reliable receiver on the field. Expect Barnidge to be the recipient of solid stats because of that.
In 2015, Barnidge compiled 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns on 79 receptions. Not surprisingly, many fantasy football expert websites listed him as one of the top five tight ends for owners to draft.
A lot of Barnidge’s ability to produce good stats in this game will come down to how effectively his quarterback is playing. If Philadelphia’s pass rushers are able to get to RG3 quite a bit, it may mean fewer catches for Barnidge.
It also will come down to Griffin’s playmaking style. When Josh McCown was throwing the ball for the Browns, Barnidge did very well. Crazy as it is to say, McCown was a steadier option at the QB position.
Griffin edged out McCown to grab the starting role and may not play quite as consistently with this offense. And while the former Heisman Tropy whinner showed moments of potential for the Browns during the preseason, that’s not always the most reliable indicator.
Still, it’s hard to argue against Barnidge in this matchup as a reliable target for Griffin when the Philadelphia pass defense is swarming. Owners with him on their roster should certainly take a risk and grab the potential solid stats.
Next: Fantasy Option No. 2