There were good and bad takeaways to the Cleveland Browns loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brian Hoyer certainly did enough to prove that he deserves to be the starting quarterback over Johnny Manziel. However, the negative is that key offensive pieces Jordan Cameron and Ben Tate suffered injuries that expose the lack of depth within the Browns' roster. Heading into Week 2, is Terrance West or Andrew Hawkins better fantasy football picks against the New Orleans Saints?
Cameron and Tate made big plays in the first half against the Steelers, but suffered injuries that made their production spotty in the second half. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cameron re-injured his shoulder on a 47-yard catch in the first quarter. He managed to play the rest of the first half, but left after one play in the third quarter. Cameron had not been listed on the injury report prior to Week 1 as the tight end was hopeful the issue had healed. However, the injury must now be evaluated by team doctors, leaving his status for Week 2 up in the air.
Starting running back Tate was also absent in the second half of the game. He suffered a knee injury after a big third down, but was pulled instead for the remainder or the game. According to head coach Mike Pettine, the team is in a "wait-and-see deal" right now with both players which could strongly change the course of the offense for the following week.
In the absence of both players, rookie West stood out in the box score. West managed 100 yards rushing against a stout Pittsburgh Steelers defense that does not allow much in terms of rushing from their opponents. Fantasy owners should take a strong look at West for Week 2. If Tate is health, he will start. However, Pettine was impressed by the rookie and could easily aim to give him more responsibility. Tate's injury is just another example of how inconsistent his health is so West will get a lot of looks regardless.
Andrew Hawkins is another player worth looking at. If Cameron is struggling, Hawkins becomes the first look for Hoyer. The tight end is normally the top target considering he is the best talent of the receivers on the roster, but in his absence, Hawkins put up 87 yards on eight catches. The Falcons proved it is possible to pass against the Saints, so there is no reason why the Browns cannot attempt the same approach.
