The Cleveland Browns are coming off of a big win and in Week 6, names like Gary Barnidge, Travis Benjamin and Josh McCown are fantasy sleeper start options, even against a tough Broncos defense. McCown had a great game last week and with Robert Turbin likely returning from injury to play for the Browns, Duke Johnson and the rushing game could get things going against Denver.
The Browns are coming off of a big win against the Ravens and now the team has the tough test of facing the Broncos. While the Browns are underdogs and should lose this game, it doesn't mean they can't put up some numbers, even against one of the best defenses in the league. McCown has a hot hand right now and for fantasy owners with players on bye weeks, Cleveland has some solid options to look at.
McCown is coming in after winning AFC offensive player of the week, while Travis Benjamin, Gary Barnidge and Duke Johnson have been putting up solid points for fantasy owners. The Browns are likely getting back Robert Turbin from injury this week and while that could cut into things for Johnson and Isaiah Crowell, it also adds some depth for the Browns and could help open up the passing game more. McCown has a steady hold on the QB position now and while he suffered an ankle injury last week, head coach Mike Pettine said after practice on Wednesday that McCown is a "little sore" and that he should be fine for this week.
McCown comes in after passing for 457 yards against the Ravens with two touchdowns and he has thrown for 300 yards in three straight games coming into this week. McCown has been playing very well as of late and he has six TDs and just one pick over the last three games. Barnidge and Benjamin have been the best fantasy players for the Browns over the last stretch of games and Barnidge had a catch for the ages against the Ravens that could be the catch of the year in the NFL.
Barnidge has been steady at tight end and he comes in after making eight catches on 10 targets for 139 yards and a TD in Week 5. Barnidge has 24 catches in five games this season for 374 yards and he has been a strong TE2 option and is pushing into the TE1 status if he keeps putting up solid numbers. Benjamin started the season fast and he has been the most consistent WR option for McCown this season.
Benjamin had 12 targets last week and has had double digit targets in three straight games, which is good news for fantasy owners. Benjamin had six catches for 89 yards against the Ravens and this season he has four TDs. Benjamin also has some added value as a returner. According to the Akron Beacon Journal, Robert Turbin is likely going to make his debut for the Browns in Week 6 against the Broncos. Turbin will likely be brought along slowly, but he could be a solid fantasy option in deeper leagues after getting claimed from the Seahawks.
Check here for more on the Browns, Turbin, Johnson and McCown.
