The Cleveland Browns have Josh McCown injured heading into Week 8 of the season and if the quarterback can't start on Sunday, Johnny Manziel will get the nod for the Browns. Travis Benjamin and Gary Barnidge have been the best fantasy football options for the Browns this season and they are worth taking a look at for owners into next Sunday.
The Browns have a tough matchup with the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8 and there is chance that McCown will be healthy enough to make the start. According to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport, McCown is "just banged up" but will have an MRI to see if his shoulder has any serious damage. McCown was injured in the fourth quarter on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams and he took some hard hits in the game.
Manziel was brought into the game for the final drive and Pro Football Talk writes that Manziel likely will start if McCown is out. The Browns likely will start McCown if he is healthy enough and the team is waiting for the results of his MRI after the game on Sunday. The team also has Austin Davis and he could be an option if something happens with Manziel and his off the field issues related to an incident with his girlfriend.
The Browns have some players who have put up solid numbers for fantasy owners despite the struggles of the team and even with a tough defense in Week 8 against the Cardinals, Gary Barnidge and Travis Benjamin are worth starting. Benjamin comes in with 35 catches for 575 yards and four touchdowns this season and he has been a reliable target at WR for the team. Benjamin also has added value as a return man. Barnidge has been one of the top surprises of the season and he had another strong game with six catches for 101 yards against the Rams and he has five TDs this season. Dwayne Bowe has been a non-factor all season for the Browns and he has no fantasy value for this week.
Manziel would start if McCown is out and Manziel comes in dealing with some off the field issues and could face punishment depending on how things turn out. According to Pat McManamon of ESPN.com, Manziel was involved in a situation with his girlfriend and that occurred a couple weeks ago. Manziel has had off the field issues with the Browns over the past year and this offseason he went into a voluntary treatment program.
Manziel will reportedly meet with league officials about the incident and after that, punishment or clarification on the situation could come from the league. Manziel is not currently facing charges in the incident and his girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, reportedly said that Manziel pushed her head into a car window during an argument. ESPN writes that "If the league determines Manziel assaulted Crowley, he would face discipline under the personal conduct policy."
Check here for more on the Browns, McCown, Manziel and Week 8.