Browns Beat: 'Can see' Duke Johnson catching 70-plus passes

Jul 20, 2016

Browns beat writer Tony Grossi: Even though Hue Jackson’s offense is built off the running game, I don’t expect Isaiah Crowell or Duke Johnson to topple 1,000 yards rushing individually. I can see them combining for 1,500 yards and Johnson totaling 70 or more receptions.

Fantasy Impact:

Let's put Grossi's prediction into perspective: Since 2010, seven running backs have caught between 60-69 passes. They finished with an average ranking of RB9 (PPR), with the lowest finish at RB24 (which was Duke Johnson last year). Nine running backs finished with 70-79 catches with an average finish of RB8. The lowest finish was RB23 (Darren Sproles, 2013). Five backs caught 80-plus passes in a season since 2010 with an average PPR finish of RB6 and a low of RB18 (Theo Riddick, 2015). Johnson is currently the #19 RB off the board in PPR formats. Considering only two of 21 running backs with 60-plus catches in the last six years finished below that level, he's a good bet to return value. Assuming Grossi's prediction is correct, he has upside from there. Fifteen of the 21 running backs with 60-plus catches finished in the top 12 in PPR formats.

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Raiders RB Alexander Mattison set to return Week 15, Sincere McCormick still starting

Levi Edwards

0 minutes ago

Antonio Pierce stated that Sincere McCormick will remain the team’s starting running back even with Alexander Mattison nearing a return this week.

“He deserves it. … He has run his tail off.”

Related Players: Ameer Abdullah

Fantasy Impact:

At 2-11, the Raiders would be silly to not see what they have in McCormick, with 31-year-old Abdullah and Mattison, who is on a one-year contract, only there to give the former UDFA a breather. Consider McCormick a volume-based RB3.

Giants QB Drew Lock in walking boot, Tommy DeVito set to start Week 15

Adam Schefter

1 hour ago

Giants HC Brian Daboll told reporters that QB Drew Lock is in a walking boot due to a heel injury and Tommy DeVito now is expected to start Sunday vs. the Ravens.

Fantasy Impact:

The Ravens path to an overall D/ST1 finish on the week becomes a little clearer. DeVito can safely be kept on benches in SuperFlex leagues on a week with zero byes.

Bills WR Keon Coleman, TE Dalton Kincaid return to practice ahead of Week 15

Ian Rapoport

2 hours ago

Good news on the way for Buffalo: Bills WR Keon Coleman (wrist) and TE Dalton Kincaid (knee) are expected to practice fully today. A positive step forward in advance of the showdown with the Lions.

Fantasy Impact:

It's probably still best to start other options over Kincaid, as he takes on a Lions defense that ranks 4th in TE aFPA, but there could be a ton of points here, so if you're in a bind he makes sense as a top-15ish option.

As for Coleman, he's more in the boom/bust WR4 range as Shakir should continue standing atop the target share.