This division is full of great fantasy football options, but has lots of questions that could impact fantasy players. The Browns have gotten the job done with Jacoby Brissett at QB, but what does that team look like when Deshaun Watson comes back? Gone are the years of the Ravens having a number one defense, meaning they are always needing points to keep up. The Steelers could be turning to a rookie QB sooner than they thought; how does that impact their players for fantasy football? The Bengals have struggled out of the gate; can they turn things around? Let’s take a look at a few of these guys and what you should be doing with them on your dynasty rosters.
Buy
David Njoku – TE – Cleveland Browns
The Browns committed to David Njoku in the offseason, signing him to a four year deal worth $54.75 million. After a slow start, Njoku exploded for 19.4 fantasy points in Week 3. He was heavily targeted by Brissett and made good on the opportunity; catching all but one of his 10 targets. Look for him to continue to be a top option in the Browns passing attack moving forward. They don’t have much after Amari Cooper at WR. Although Brissett has looked more competent the last two weeks, look for this passing attack to take off once Deshaun Watson is back.
He is currently fantasy football TE14 on KTC; priced just above an early 2023 3rd. Try a 3rd and 4th first, but I would happily send a late 2023 2nd to acquire Njoku. I believe moving forward he can be a trusted option in your lineup. This coaching staff has a history of targeting the TE and they paid him to get the job down.
Honourable Mention
Kareem Hunt – RB – Cleveland Browns
Last week I mentioned Leonard Fournette and Alvin Kamara as buys for contenders. Kareem Hunt falls into that category as well. You aren’t going to find a cheaper option for a consistent top 20 guy. He is currently the fantasy football RB14 on the year, averaging 12.3 points per game. You will have to pay at least a 2023 2nd, possibly adding a small cherry on top. His pass catching ability should make him flex worthy for a couple more years. He will be a free agent at the end of the year, look for him to sign with a contender.
Panic Check
George Pickens – WR – Pittsburgh Steelers
There will be the odd fantasy football manager panicking with the slow start. Do yourself a favour and see what the price would be to acquire him. If it doesn’t cost you a 2023 1st, do it!
Sell
Mitch Trubisky – QB – Pittsburgh Steelers
Jacoby Brissett – QB – Cleveland Browns
This is a no brainer. These two should be moved in all fantasy football superflex formats because they are on borrowed time. Jacoby Brissett has been competent filling in for Watson. He is currently the QB17, averaging 15.07 points per game. The Browns are 2-1, but this is Watson’s team when he comes back.
The difference between Brissett and Trubisky is we know when Brissett is done. The Steelers have said they want Mitch Trubinsky to start all year, but with a 1-2 record things could change quickly. Kenny Pickett is waiting for his chance and it could come sooner if the Steelers are not winning. You might not get much, but they can be add-ons in superflex leagues. Tua could miss this week, Prescott is still out, and Mac Jones just went down. This could cause managers to look for an injury replacement. Guys get desperate when their QBs are hurt in superflex leagues. Take advantage and see what you can get.
Honorable Mentions
Devin Duvernay – WR – Baltimore Ravens
Devin Duvernay has three recieving TDs on the year, plus a return TD. If your league does not reward for return points, do yourself and favor sell out now. He has 8 targets in three games and has caught all of them. He is currently WR21, averaging 14.6 points per game. If you can get any second round pick for him, sell out. This passing attack is not trustworthy and you will not put him into your fantasy football lineup.
Watch List
Najee Harris – RB – Pittsburgh Steelers
Najee Harris currently sits at RB21 in fantasy football, averaging 9.2 points per game. If I can get a mid to early 2023 1st for him, I’d do it. If I can pivot to someone like J.K. Dobbins plus, I am doing it. He isn’t getting the check downs without Big Ben and the Steelers just look awful. If you are contending, use him to get a more consistent veteran option, plus something. He might be better to sell after he finally has a big game.
Hold
Rashod Bateman – WR – Baltimore Ravens
Rashod Bateman has given you two nice fantasy finishes. In Week 1 he saw five targets, but only caught two of them. One just happened to be a 55 yard touchdown against blown coverage. Before that he had only one catch for four yards. Week 2 was more of what we’d like to see with seven targets, four receptions, 108 yards and score.
However, Week 3 showed what could happen too often with pass-catchers in this Ravens offense. Bateman was targeted four times, catching two for a total of 59 yards, plus he fumbled.
If you can pivot to another WR in the same tier in a more pass happy offense, I don’t mind that move. However, I also think Bateman is very talented. It’s just hard to predict the volume he will get each game. Surprisingly, he currently has no red zone targets.
He is tricky. I don’t want to pay the price to acquire him right now, but I also think he could increase his fantasy football value greatly if the Ravens decide to get him more involved.
Honorable Mention
Tyler Boyd – WR – Cincinnati Bengals
Tyler Boyd has been productive in two of his three games so far this year. Boyd is signed through the 2023 season, but could be cut after this year to save money. He is hard to trust in your fantasy football lineup, but has high upside if Chase or Higgins were to go down with injury. His value is around an early 2023 3rd, too low to sell. If you can get a 2nd for him do it, but otherwise I’d hold for now.
J.K. Dobbins – RB – Baltimore Ravens
You waited this long. He’s going to ball out once he is healthy. If you sell him now you will regret it.
Sheldon Hand
Sheldon Hand is an elementary school teacher. He started writing in 2019, and started working with The League Winners in 2021. He has been playing fantasy football for fifteen years, got into dynasty seven years ago and have become a bit obsessed.