Which Cleveland (Avengers) Browns are poised for fantasy success?

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 15: Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands the ball off to Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) during a game between the Denver Broncos and the visiting Cincinnati Bengals on December 15, 2018 at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO.(Photo by Russell Lansford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 15: Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands the ball off to Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) during a game between the Denver Broncos and the visiting Cincinnati Bengals on December 15, 2018 at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO.(Photo by Russell Lansford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 23: Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) reaches for the pylon during the second quarter of the National Football League game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on December 23, 2018, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Chubb was ruled down short of the goal line. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 23: Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) reaches for the pylon during the second quarter of the National Football League game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on December 23, 2018, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Chubb was ruled down short of the goal line. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Nick Chubb, RB

My second Avenger poised for a big year is none other than Nick Chubb. ESPN currently has Chubb as the 12th-ranked running back on its way-too-early list for 2019. If he finishes outside the top ten in 2019, I’ll get a tattoo of the Browns logo on my lower back. As a rookie last year, Chubb was fifth among all running backs in yards per carry with 5.2 and had the fourth-most yards after contact after only 16 carries in the first six games.

Last year’s production combined with a more potent and balanced passing attack should free up lanes for Chubb to operate. Some are concerned that when Kareem Hunt is finally active in Week 9 that he will force a timeshare situation. Remember Hunt won’t have played a game since Week 11 of last season. I can see Hunt taking some snaps as a third down back, but I also see more goal-line carries for Chubb in a better offense.

2018 stats:

Rushing Yards – 996 Rushing Touchdowns – 8

Receptions – 20 Receiving Yards – 149 Receiving Touchdowns – 2

2019 Projection:

1,200 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns

25 receptions for 180 receiving yards and three touchdowns

Avengers comparison:

Thor – Brings the lightning and thunder every time he touches the ball

Just two years ago, if you would have told me the Browns would be the toast of the league and boast one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, I would have laughed you off like I do to all D.C. Universe fans who try to tell me it’s better than Marvel. To sum up my thoughts on the Browns’ shocking ascension to being an AFC offensive powerhouse? As Dr. Stephen Strange says, “We are in the end game now.”