Week 5 vs. Indianapolis
After somewhat of a slow start to the season, Gary Barnidge has been usable in PPR formats, as he finished with seven receptions last week. He's not getting anywhere near the production he had a season ago, but he's still been one of the better options at his position this year.
Barnidge will get a decent matchup against the Patriots this week. New England has allowed at least six receptions or 50 yards to the position in the last three weeks, so Barnidge should have some production. He'll be a low-end TE1 play.
Week 4 at Washington
Gary Barnidge had his best game of the season last week with Cody Kessler/Terrelle Pryor at quarterback. He caught five-of-six targets for 66 yards. It's not a great stat line, but it's encouraging to see him improving.
We're not big fans of Barnidge this week, but there's a lack of talent at the position overall. Barnidge will at least (likely) do something, which makes him a low-end TE1.
Week 3 at Miami
After posting a goose egg in Week 1, Gary Barnidge bounced back with a 4-for-37 effort in Week 2. It wasn't a great performance, but at least it was something. Now, he'll play with rookie quarterback Cody Kessler and could become a safety net considering the lack of depth at the receiver position.
We're not in love with Barnidge this week, but there's enough to like about him to make him a low-end TE1 play.
Week 2 vs. Baltimore
A pro bowl tight end last year, Gary Barnidge upset fantasy owners with a big ol' goose egg in Week 1. Luckily for him, he'll be getting Josh McCown this week after RGIII was placed on injured reserve.
Last season, Barnidge averaged 80 receiving yards and 0.75 touchdowns on 5.8 receptions in games with McCown. Those are really good numbers, and something that's likely to continue this season.
This isn't a great matchup, but we still like Barnidge as a TE1 play this week.
Week 1 at Philadelphia
Gary Barnidge broke out last season after years of being a backup, and now we get to see if he's truly a threat at tight end. He'll get a decent matchup in Week 1 against the Eagles, and could see some more targets due to Josh Gordon's suspension.
Considering the overall talent at the tight end position, Barnidge should be viewed as a solid TE1 play in Week 1 against the Eagles. There's no reason to expect a major drop off from what he did in 2015.
Fantasy Upside
After doing pretty much nothing but sit on the bench and block for the first six seasons of his career, Gary Barnidge came out of nowhere and had a Pro Bowl 2015 season. He finished as the No. 3 TE in fantasy by catching 79 passes for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns.
The Browns didn't change anything at the tight end position in the offseason, and Barnidge has a comfortable grasp on the starting job.
Fantasy Downside
Barnidge has a new quarterback and is playing in a new system, so there's no guarantee he'll put up the same, or even similar numbers this year. In addition, teams have had time to study Barnidge, and he'll no longer be a player that opposing defenses will doubt.
Bottom Line
We don't expect Barnidge to put up another 1,000-yard season, but there's enough reason to like him in 2016. His situation isn't the best, but he should still project to be a low-end TE1.
Week 17 vs Pittsburgh
Game flow in Week 16 was the impetus for one of Gary Barnidge’s poorest days of the season. With Cleveland unexpectedly competitive in a 17-13 loss to Kansas City, they did not to have to take the air very often to stay competitive, especially since the Browns ran for 232 yards. Barnidge finished with three receptions for 47 yards.
Gary should be able to rebound against the Steelers. Earlier this year, he caught six passes for 65 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Pittsburgh, a team that could not corral Ryan Mallett last Sunday in a must-win situation. And Cleveland probably will not be able to set the tempo on the ground like they did in Kansas City, as Pittsburgh boasts a fairly respectable run defense. Barnidge is a safe TE1.
Week 16 at Kansas City
Seattle’s secondary largely contained Gary Barnidge in Week 15, holding the breakout star to three receptions for 29 yards. However, Barnidge still came through for owners with Cleveland’s only touchdown in a 30-13 loss.
The Chiefs do not have a secondary as good as the Seahawks, but they have been playing tremendous football down the stretch and have put the clamps on many opposing offenses. But Barnidge has proven throughout the season that he can remain productive against all kinds of opponents. He must be started if you are playing for all the marbles.
Week 15 at Seattle
Last Sunday, as the Browns earned a rare victory by beating San Francisco 24-10, Gary Barnidge was again helping fantasy teams finish in the winner’s circle. Barnidge caught five passes for 84 yards and a touchdown.
Barnidge’s next two matchups are the kind that could produce nightmares. The Seahawks and Chiefs on the road are daunting. Seattle has given up the fewest touchdown passes in the NFL. Nevertheless, Gary has reached the pinnacle in fantasy football after being anonymous for most of his career, and has earned those two magical words only the best of the best earn. Barnidge is “matchup proof.” In a game where the Browns could be throwing a lot, he may not end up as the top TE1, but he will be in the mix for that crown.
Week 14 vs San Francisco
It will be a very good week for Gary Barnidge before he even takes the field. The Browns gave Barnidge a contract extension as a reward for his breakout season. After catching five passes for 59 yards in Week 13, Barnidge has 60 receptions for 817 yards and seven touchdowns.
There are many teams that have given up more touchdown passes than San Francisco, but the 49ers surrender close to 275 passing yards per game. While Barnidge has struggled at times with Johnny Manziel at quarterback, in Manziel’s last start Gary grabbed six passes for 65 yards and a touchdown. Barnidge has unpleasant matchups with Seattle and Kansas City ahead, but should be a steady TE1 on Sunday.
