Cleveland Browns PPG 21.3, Sacks 49 6th

The Cleveland Browns had a season to remember in 2023. They made it to the playoffs, bet were upset by rookie quarterback CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans. They were able to make it with their back-up quarterback too… granted that back-up is a former Super Bowl MVP. 

Truthfully the Browns had an excellent defense by several metrics, which contributed to their star, Myles Garrett, winning Defensive Player of the Year. They finished with the sixth most sacks, 49, and allowed just over three touchdowns per game, 21.3. 

That was their season last year, this year could be different.

2024 Prediction: 15th

The Browns could have just as great a season as last year, possibly even better. They are true wildcards with Deshaun Watson’s health and mindset really unknown. Two or more playmakers at every level make them a difficult match up for any opposing offensive coordinator. 

The reason they take a step backwards in the prediction is the AFC North (the Browns division) is going to be better offensively across the board. The Pittsburgh Steelers upgraded up quarterback with two better quarterbacks. The Cincinnati Bengals have a healthy Joe Burrow, a returning nucleus, and two great running backs. The Baltimore Ravens upgrade at running back, and are in the second year of their offensive scheme with the league’s MVP. 

The sacks should be there, as well as the big plays, but the points per game could take an increase. A great D/ST to have for standard leagues, and worth an earlier than usual draft pick.

BEST FF IDPs: In Order of Ranking

DL – Myles Garrett

LB – Jordan Hicks

DB – Grant Delpit

Myles Garrett leads Cleveland which is a roster loaded with IDP talent. It was difficult choosing just three to discuss about this team. It is not difficult putting the reigning Defensive Player of the Year at the top of the list though.

Garrett fights through double teams, chip blocks, and schemes to earn 42 tackles, 30 quarterback hits, 17 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. He is difficult to guard and with Za’Darius Smith on the other side, defenses realize they can not exclusively double-team Garrett. 

He is a boom-or-bust player but those days that he earns 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, make a team difficult to beat. 

Jordan Hicks is a savvy vet entering his tenth NFL season. He was the highest scoring IDP in 2019 and is now on a defense which doesn’t require him to do everything. He has 874 career tackles, and has recorded at least 100 in five straight seasons. 

Hicks also has 13 interceptions and 14.5 sacks which is rare for any NFL player with that many tackles. He can cover well and could be a three-down linebacker despite playing to Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah whom many may believe is the better linebacker. 

Hicks will be asked to tackle and use his versatility only on unsuspecting weak side blitzes or zones which they fake Garrett blitzing. He will be effective in those moments. Hicks should be a LB 25 or better, draft him late in standard leagues.

Grant Delpit is an excellent safety, but relatively unknown outside of Cleveland and IDP heads. He played in just 13 games last season but still managed 80 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3 passes defended, 1.5 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery.

Delpit is a hybrid, new-age safety at 6’ 3” and 208 pounds. He too can simply excel at what he does and help the defense where needed, by land or by air. Cleveland has excellent cornerbacks and Delpit compliments their style well. Draft him with confidence late in standard leagues.

Tomorrow the New England Patriots.
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Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

All statistics come from pro-football-reference and Sleeperbot.