Week 3 – Travis Benjamin vs. Baltimore Ravens
Usually Travis Benjamin at least generates some return yardage, but last Sunday in Cleveland’s shocking 26-24 victory over the Saints, Benjamin had one punt return for two yards. His offensive output was equally limited, with one reception for six yards. While his return yards could pick back up again, at the moment fantasy owners need to remain on the outs with Benjamin.
Week 2 – Travis Benjamin vs. New Orleans Saints
Usually Travis Benjamin makes a minimal impact on offense, but he hauled in a key 9-yard touchdown pass from Brian Hoyer last Sunday as Cleveland scored a moral victory over the Steelers. But Benjamin’s overall numbers did not move the needle, as he finished with two receptions for 20 yards. He once again showed his merit in return yardage leagues, generating 85 yards on four kickoff returns. If you need Benjamin in that type of format, he will be good to go.
Week 1 – Travis Benjamin at Pittsburgh Steelers
Travis Benjamin returns to action for the first time since week eight of the 2013 season, when he suffered a torn ACL in a 23-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Since entering the league, Benjamin’s greatest impact has been on special teams, with two punt return touchdowns and an 86-yard kickoff return. With a small role on offense, Travis does not belong on your fantasy team unless you are in a specialized format where return yards yield a lot of scoring.
Since coming into the league two years ago, Travis Benjamin has been a source of big plays for the Cleveland Browns. Most of Benjamin’s big moments have come on special teams, but he did catch a 69-yard touchdown against Washington back in 2012. Unfortunately, a torn ACL cost Benjamin a good portion of the 2013 season. He appears to be healthy again and is part of a Cleveland receiving corps reeling from the suspension of Josh Gordon. Will Gordon’s absence lead to a bigger role for Benjamin?
Fantasy Upside
The Browns would prefer to primarily utilize Benjamin on returns, where he has returned two punts for touchdowns in his young career. However, they may have to give him a bigger offensive role at some point. While Travis is coming off an injury of his own, Cleveland’s top two receivers, Andrew Hawkins and Miles Austin, also missed time with injuries last year. Austin was a player in decline during recent seasons in Dallas and Hawkins is still largely unproven.
Fantasy Downside
As long as Austin and Hawkins perform adequately, Travis won’t be used as anything more than a role player. Even if Benjamin’s role in the offense ends up growing, Cleveland is going to have a run-centric scheme and tight end Jordan Cameron will get most of the targets. Quarterbacks Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer have struggled during the preseason as the Browns appear to have the makings of one of the weaker offenses in the entire league.
Bottom Line
The storyline remains the same with Travis. If you are in a return yardage league, he can help you. Otherwise, leave him on the waiver wire.
