The Cleveland Browns are slipping out of the playoff race and now Johnny Manziel could get the start in Week 15 over Brian Hoyer, as the Browns lost in the final seconds to the Indianapolis Colts and for fantasy football owners, Terrance West and Josh Gordon are solid start options moving forward for the rest of the season over Isaiah Crowell and Andrew Hawkins.
Hoyer was named the starter this week despite struggling over the previous two games and now Manziel could be poised to get his first start of the season after another loss. According to Pro Football Talk, Hoyer and Manziel will likely find out by Wednesday who is starting and after losing late on Sunday, Mike Pettine could look at making a change for Week 15. Hoyer had a bad overthrow in the second quarter and he also missed Josh Gordon late in the game when the team desperately needed a score.
Hoyer had thrown five interceptions and zero touchdowns in the previous two matchups and against the Bills Manziel got his first significant time at quarterback. Manziel scored his first touchdowns rushing the ball in and he ended up completing five of eight passes in the game. Hoyer remained in the game on Sunday despite poor play and reports that he was going to be on a "short leash" and he ended up with 140 passing yards and two picks.
Mike Pettine said that it would be a "natural" reaction to turn to Manziel after the way Hoyer has played and he added that the staff would look over the film and decide this week who will start. Pettine said that "results" are what will dictate the decision and the Browns have three games left to try and make the playoffs. The AFC North race is close with the Bengals leading the Ravens, Steelers and Browns and all three teams are in contention for the playoffs.
The Browns started the season 6-3, but they have scuffled over the past month and have lost three of the last four games. The Bengals and Steelers are currently in playoff position and Hoyer comes in after throwing for just 140 yards and two interceptions against the Colts over the weekend. Hoyer has eight interceptions in his last four games and the Browns offense has sputtered and that may leave Pettine no choice but to go to Manziel.
Last week Manziel did not get the start after previously replacing Hoyer late in the game on Sunday and now he could be poised to get his first start of the year. Manziel has been getting reported on more than any other backup in the league and Pettine has said that he is happy with his preparation so far this year. The Browns finish the season against the Bengals, Panthers and Ravens, with the Baltimore matchup coming on the road.
