Josh Gordon's season is over. The Cleveland Browns' wide receiver was served a one-year suspension and a denied appeal after failing a drug test in the offseason. The Browns have known for some time that there was a good chance their leading wide receiver would be out for the year, but the NFL confirmed the suspension on Wednesday. Cleveland failed to truly find a replacement for Gordon, leaving their offense with a big hole. So who will step up in 2014?
With quarterback Brian Hoyer leading the charge, fantasy owners should put their money on the running backs. The Browns are hoping their ground game in 2014 is a lot more impressive than last season. After trading away for first-round pick Trent Richardson early last year, they relied on veteran Willis McGahee who failed to do much for the team. In the offseason, the Browns acquired Ben Tate from the Houston Texans while drafting Terrance West as well. Without a true No. 1 wide receiver on the roster, the Browns will rely heavily on both players this season.
Tate has not looked his best since signing on with the Browns. He has struggled in the preseason with fumbling and pass protection issues. However, being the veteran he will likely get the nod at the starting spot. West will likely finish the season as the better rusher. For one, Tate has an injury history that does not work in his favor. Two, West is the more versatile back. He could easily shine in the zone-locking system that coordinator Kyle Shanahan runs. He has the hands that will work great for catching passes out of the back field.
With Hoyer in at quarterback, the Browns' offense will likely remain a 50-50 split between rushing and passing. If Johnny Manziel were to win the starting spot at some point, that could easily change. Tate will get a lot of touches which of course will up his fantasy value, but West might turn out to be more productive.
On the receiver end, some fantasy experts believes Miles Austin could be a sleeper pick in 2014. In need of a major career bounceback, Austin has looked good in the preseason so far. Andrew Hawkins has been leading the group, but Austin has been proving he should not be ruled out just yet. If Austin can stay healthy, he would be a solid late-round pickup. The issue is staying healthy as his hamstring continues to be an issue.
