Week 14 vs San Francisco
Brian Hartline led the Browns in receiving last Sunday when they were destroyed by Cincinnati, catching eight passes for 83 yards. Hartline was prolific in part because Travis Benjamin left with an injury, but over his last three games, Brian is averaging 7.3 receptions and 78 yards per game.
Nevertheless, Hartline has never been a big touchdown scorer and has a very low ceiling, even against a generally poor San Francisco pass defense. Benjamin should be back in the lineup and the potential return of Taylor Gabriel could also take some targets away from Hartline. Standard league owners should bypass Brian. He might be able to squeak out WR3 value in PPR leagues, making him a passable flyer for anyone in a bind.
After a lost season in Miami in 2014, Brian Hartline is coming home. Born in North Canton, Ohio, Hartline is no stranger to Browns fans who saw him play at Glen Oak High School and Ohio State. In many ways, that makes him an automatic fan favorite. But for Hartline to keep winning popularity contests, he will have to show he can rebound from a down year. With Cleveland starved for receiving help, is Hartline the answer?
2015 Upside
At least one prominent member of the Cleveland media, Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland, expects Hartline to lead the Browns in receiving this year. Before he slid into the abyss last season, Hartline had topped 1,000 yards and 70 receptions in both 2012 and 2013. While he's often been typecast as a boring fantasy player with limited upside, Hartline has produced some big games during his career. During one memorable performance against Arizona in 2012, Brian totaled 12 receptions for 253 yards and a touchdown.
2015 Downside
In six seasons, Hartline has scored 12 touchdowns. Even in an era where coveted PPR specialists are excused somewhat for scoring fewer touchdowns, that kind of end zone futility is unacceptable. Hartline's quarterback situation is also going from Ryan Tannehill to Josh McCown (or Johnny Manziel). That is a pretty big drop. Cleveland’s coaching staff is going to try and mask their passing game woes by running the ball as much as possible, so there will not be much in the way of volume for any of their receivers. Dwayne Bowe and Andrew Hawkins are also going to be heavily involved when Cleveland takes to the air, so it's fair to wonder if Hartline peak during those two years in Miami.
Bottom Line
Hartline is a WR5/WR6 in his new home. There is no doubt he could probably pinch hit as a starter for your team during the season as an emergency option, but it would be better to build the end of your bench with players who possess greater potential.
Brian Hartline - Week 14 vs. Baltimore Ravens
It's safe to say Brian Hartline's involvement in the Dolphins' offense is declining. Last week he finished with just one catch for nine yards. He typically averages about 30 yards, so he's not worth a consideration in fantasy.
Brian Hartline - Week 11 vs. Buffalo Bills
Brian Hartline finished with one reception last week against Detroit. He's starting to get lost in the offense as rookie Jarvis Landry gets more playing time/targets. Hartline is not a strong option.
Brian Hartline - Week 10 vs. Detroit
Rookie Jarvis Landry has replaced Brian Hartline as the second Miami receiver to own in fantasy. Hartline finished with a respectable 5-50 last week, but that's unfortunately his second best game this season. Hartline just isn't a great option in fantasy.
Brian Hartline - Week 9 vs. San Diego
In terms of snap count, Brian Hartline is the team's second receiver. In terms of production, he's starting to fall behind rookie Jarvis Landry. Last week Hartline caught just one pass for 19 yards in a favorable matchup. He isn't putting up enough production this season to be relied on as a fantasy players. Look somewhere else.
Brian Hartline - Week 8 vs. Jacksonville
Brian Hartline has 196 total yards through six games this season (32 yard per game average. He's starting to lose numbers to rookie Jarvis Landry. Hartline is nothing more than a low WR5.
Brian Hartline - Week 7 vs. Chicago
Brian Hartline laid a big fat goose egg against the Packers last week. Not only did he not have any catches, but he also didn't receive a single target. He played on 98 percent of the team's offensive snaps, but just didn't catch the eye of Ryan Tannehill.
Hartline is averaging just 32 yards per game this season, not enough to warrant starting him on your roster.
Brian Hartline - Week 6 vs. Green Bay
Brian Hartline has less than 40 receiving yards in three out of his four games this season. He had success against Oakland (6-74), but he's typically not productive enough to be a great option. He's at best a WR4 in a difficult matchup this week against Green Bay.
Brian Hartline - Week 4 vs. Oakland Raiders
Brian Hartline caught three passes for 25 yards and a touchdown last week. The touchdown was nice, but overall Hartline has had a poor season. He's failed to pass the 40-yard mark in a game. He also has caught just 10 of his 19 targets. Mike Wallace is the only Dolphins receiver worth trusting. Hartline should be viewed as a low-end WR4 option.
