The Cleveland Browns will start Josh McCown in Week 4 over Johnny Manziel, but Manziel could get on the field for a few plays against the Chargers depending on how the game develops. Isaiah Crowell, Gary Barnidge and Travis Benjamin are fantasy sleeper options for the Browns, while Dwayne Bowe continues to be a bust pick this season.
The Browns opted to go with McCown after Manziel led the team to their first victory of the season and now he will be the backup in Week 4. Manziel started in Week 2 after taking over following McCown's concussion in Week 1 and there was talk during the week that Manziel could get another shot to start down the line. According to Cleveland.com, offensive coordinator John DeFilippo said that the team has a package of plays set up for Manziel and there is a chance he could play in Week 4.
DeFilippo and the Browns said that McCown is "our guy" and that he will continue to start, but if he struggles again this week, the calls for Manziel could grow again. McCown was able to practice in full this week after dealing with a hand injury and he comes in after having an up and down day for the Browns in Week 3. The team lost to the Raiders and McCown completed only 57 percent of his passes, but he did put up 341 passing yards and two touchdowns.
The Browns are trying to stay on the positive side of things and they are hoping that McCown has a solid game against the Chargers after the loss to Oakland. Manziel comes in with 354 passing yards and three touchdowns with one interception this season and he helped lead the team to their lone win this year. Last season Manziel played in just five games as a rookie and with how McCown has been getting beaten around this season, there is a good chance Manziel will get back on the field.
Travis Benjamin and Gary Barnidge are solid fantasy options this week along with Isaiah Crowell, as the Chargers defense has not been that stout over the first few weeks of the season. Benjamin comes in with five total touchdowns and he has made an impact for the Browns, while Crowell has put up 128 rushing yards and one TD. Barnidge had his best game as a starter last week with six catches for 105 yards and a TD and he could be worth a look to see if he can keep up this hot week of play.
Dwayne Bowe has been a major disappointment this season and he has been a bust for fantasy owners as well. Mike Pettine said to Cleveland.com that the team expects more of Bowe, but that they are not cutting him at this point. The team gave Bowe guaranteed money and that is why he likely will continue getting chances on the roster.
