Fantasy Insider Report: Cleveland Browns Look for Deshaun Watson to Return to MVP Form
The Athlon Sports 2023 Fantasy Football Annual magazine reached out to team insiders at all 32 NFL clubs to ask them three key fantasy questions heading into the season. As we count down to training camp, Sports Illustrated will publish their answers here. Today’s team: Cleveland Browns
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Does Deshaun Watson look like he can return to his 2020 form, when he passed for 4,823 yards and 33 touchdowns?
We saw glimpses of the talent last year, but only glimpses. The Browns want to let Watson throw on the run — both by design and by improvisation — and they believe they’ve improved the overall explosiveness of the receiving corps. Yes, Watson can return to form and have a big fantasy season. He needs to improve his pocket presence to fully re-establish himself as one of the league’s best.
- 2023 Team Outlook: Cleveland Browns
With Kareem Hunt gone, will Nick Chubb see more carries, or will someone else play a prominent No. 2 RB role?
The Browns generally scripted early-game snaps for Chubb and Hunt. Expect some version of that, and though Jerome Ford must prove himself as an NFL runner and pass-catcher, the team has high hopes. The Browns aren’t afraid to use Chubb for 25-plus carries in the right situation, but given the shift to more of an open offense and the team’s past plan to keep Chubb fresh, Ford makes for a high-upside fantasy addition.
What does Amari Cooper have to do to reach elite level?
Cooper is elite. He’s not as explosive as he was six years ago, but he’s still a precise route runner who has excellent feel for the defense and the rare ability to find the ball in traffic. For Cooper to put up elite fantasy numbers, he needs Watson to be on his game, and he needs more chances down the field. Cooper was battling a hip injury in December, so his game reps with Watson last season were limited.
