Week 12 – Isaiah Crowell at Atlanta Falcons
Installed as Cleveland’s lead runner prior to last Sunday’s clash with Houston, Isaiah Crowell rushed for 61 yards on 14 carries and caught two passes for 30 yards. Crowell was born and played high school ball in Columbus, Georgia, west of Atlanta, and should have some extra incentive in what amounts to a homecoming game. The fact the Falcons have allowed 13 touchdowns and yield 122.2 rushing yards per game is another positive. Crowell is worth using as a RB2.
Week 11 – Isaiah Crowell vs. Houston Texans
Although generally regarded as the third wheel in Cleveland’s unpredictable running back rotation, Isaiah Crowell managed to amass 12 carries for 41 yards and a touchdown in Week 10. If there were solid signs a repeat performance was imminent, we would have no problem recommending Crowell as a flex. But trying to figure out Cleveland’s backfield is a puzzling exercise. Since most of the buzz has Crowell last in line, he would be the Browns back we would not want to start this week.
Week 10 – Isaiah Crowell at Cincinnati Bengals
At the moment, Isaiah Crowell is the invisible man in the Cleveland backfield. Crowell did not receive a carry or catch a pass on Sunday as the Browns thwarted an upset bid by Tampa Bay. If you have the roster space, it would be a good idea to keep Crowell around, as many feel Crowell will kick in like a turbo booster if he ever gets a chance to be Cleveland’s lead back. Given he might be more talented than Ben Tate and Terrance West, we might be seeing more of Isaiah before too long.
Week 9 – Isaiah Crowell vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After seemingly reaching for the brass ring as recently as Week 6, Isaiah Crowell has fallen off the merry-go-round since. Crowell was pretty much invisible on Sunday, getting one carry. Until his workload rises, he is nothing more than a roster stash, albeit one who could still help out down the road.
Week 8 – Isaiah Crowell vs. Oakland Raiders
Working in relief of Ben Tate, Isaiah Crowell and the rest of the Browns were unable to get much going last weekend. Crowell ended up with seven carries for 18 yards. If you throw that out the window, Crowell is having a positive rookie season and will be matching wits with an Oakland run defense surrendering 145.3 yards per game. He offers high-risk, high-reward flex potential.
Week 7 – Isaiah Crowell at Jacksonville Jaguars
Before Cleveland rolled to a 31-10 triumph over Pittsburgh, there was some speculation that Isaiah Crowell had fallen to the third spot on the depth chart. Such concerns were put to rest when fellow rookie Terrance West was deactivated. And they were really put to rest when Crowell burned the Steelers for 77 yards and a touchdown on just 11 carries. As a capable sidekick to Ben Tate, Crowell can be started as a flex during a three-game stretch where the Browns will play lower lights such as Jacksonville, Oakland, and Tampa Bay.
Week 6 – Isaiah Crowell vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Before Week 6, it was thought that Isaiah Crowell was second on the depth chart behind Ben Tate. However, it was fellow rookie Terrance West who saw more action in relief, as Crowell finished with six carries for 19 yards. Crowell is worth keeping around if you have roster space to spare, but you can do better if you are trying to figure out your flex spot.
Week 5 – Isaiah Crowell at Tennessee Titans
Before Cleveland’s bye, Isaiah Crowell had a strong performance against Baltimore, totaling 55 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. The showing seemingly moved him ahead of his rookie tag team partner in the Cleveland backfield, Terrance West. That would have been exciting news to fantasy owners, especially with the Titans yielding well over 100 rushing yards per game, but Ben Tate looks ready to return to action in Nashville and is expected to be Cleveland’s starter, relegating Crowell to flex territory.
Week 3 – Isaiah Crowell vs. Baltimore Ravens
Working as Cleveland’s number two back last Sunday, Isaiah Crowell had 11 carries for 54 yards as the Browns scored an unexpected victory over the New Orleans. With a similar role ahead against a Baltimore run defense that has represented itself fairly well over the first two games of the season, only extremely desperate owners should be gambling on Crowell as a flex.
Week 2 – Isaiah Crowell vs. New Orleans Saints
A rookie out of Alabama State, Isaiah Crowell was expected to see little playing time in his first NFL game, but an injury to Ben Tate forced Crowell into action. Browns fans were pleasantly surprised by what they saw from Crowell, as he rushed for two touchdowns, although Terrance West saw most of the work in relief of Tate. West will get the majority of touches again this week, but with Cleveland playing old school football, there are going to be opportunities for Crowell. If you need a flex, give Crowell a glance.
