The Browns averaged 202.3 passing yards allowed per game in 2021, ranking fifht in the league.

Analysis: The combination of a fierce pass rush and one of the best cornerbacks in the league -- Denzel Ward -- produced an elite passing defense last season. They'll be set up well to dominate again this season, as 2021 first-round pick CB Greg Newsome has a year of experience under his belt. Producing turnovers will define their fantasy season, as they generated just 19 takeaways last season (21st). They should have a steady floor regardless.

The Browns recorded two sacks and an interception in the 26-14 loss to the Steelers in Week 17.

Analysis: The Browns' defense has underwhelmed this year, allowing 22.2 points per game (17th in the league) and recording 19 takeaways (18th in the league). It looks like CB Denzel Ward (groin) could be inactive again in the season finale, but this matchup should still be intriguing with QB Joe Burrow (knee) and RB Joe Mixon (COVID-19 protocol) expected to sit out. QB Brandon Allen is nothing more than a serviceable replacement, as he posted 6.5 YPA last season. The Browns D/ST should have high upside…read more

The Browns recorded no sacks or takeaways in the 24-22 loss to the Packers in Week 16.

Analysis: The Browns held their own against the league's MVP front-runner despite being without key players in the secondary. With playoff hopes on the line, the Browns will travel to Pittsburgh in Week 17. The Steelers have scored more than 20 points just once in the last five games, totaling seven turnovers in that stretch. The Browns rank 10th in the league with 37 sacks and should have a good opportunity against QB Ben Roethlisberger, who has been taken down 35 times through 14 games. All told, the…read more

The Browns recorded two sacks and two takeaways in the 16-14 loss to the Raiders in Week 15.

Analysis: The Browns were missing multiple starters in their secondary but still managed to contain the Raiders. It's unclear if safety Ronnie Harrison (ankle/COVID-19 protocol) and corner Greg Newsome (concussion/COVID-19 protocol) will be ready for Saturday's game against the Packers, but it's tough to see how this will be a viable fantasy unit anyway. QB Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are on a tear, scoring at least 31 points in four straight games while turning the ball over just once. The Browns can…read more

The Browns recorded four sacks and two takeaways in the 24-22 win over the Ravens in Week 15.

Analysis: QB Lamar Jackson left the game in the first quarter, which certainly helped the Browns D/ST to walk away successfully. The Browns will likely be without S John Johnson, CB Troy Hill and LB Anthony Walker in this matchup, but the trio is likely replaceable by S Grant Delpit, CB Greedy Williams and LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. In turn, fantasy managers shouldn't be too scared of the Brownd D/ST this week. The Raiders rank 18th in the league with 21.8 points per game, and they've turned the ball…read more

The Browns recorded four interceptions and two sacks in the 16-10 loss to the Ravens in Week 12.

Analysis: The Browns faced the Ravens before their Week 13 bye week and will face them again in Week 14, at home this time. Through 12 games, the Browns rank 17th with 14 takeaways and 10th with 31 sacks. Meanwhile, the Ravens have scored fewer than 20 points in five of their last six games while totaling 10 giveaways in that stretch. The Browns should have a high ceiling this week with their defensive weapons swarming, but the Lamar Jackson factor keeps their D/ST rank around No. 10 this week.

The Browns recorded two interceptions in the 13-10 win over the Lions in Week 11.

Analysis: The Browns excelled against QB Tim Boyle, who was making his first NFL start this week. Still, they've been solid for a while, holding opponents to fewer than 17 points in five of the last six contests. Nevertheless, Browns D/ST is a high-risk, high-reward option this week. The Ravens should get QB Lamar Jackson back this week, and he can light up any game. However, he has been sacked 28 times in nine games, and the Ravens have coughed up 13 turnovers (14th-most). This unit will likely bust,…read more

The Browns recorded two sacks in the 45-7 loss to the Patriots in Week 10.

Analysis: The Browns allowed fewer than 17 points in the previous three weeks, but they were lit up by rookie QB Mac Jones in New England. Still, the Browns have a strong chance to bounce back this week, as the Browns rank 29th in the league with 16.7 points per game while turning the ball over 11 times thus far. Furthermore, there's a chance Jared Goff (oblique) can't go, meaning 27-year-old Tim Boyle would make his first NFL start. That would provide Browns D/ST elite upside in Week 11, but it should…read more

The Browns posted five sacks and three takeaways in the 41-16 win over the Bengals in Week 9.

Analysis: The Browns allowed fewer than 17 points for the third straight week, and they now rank 10th in the league with 21.8 points allowed per contest. Turnovers haven't been this frequent for Browns D/ST, as it ranks 24th with eight through nine games, but they are second with 27 sacks. The Patriots -- its Week 10 opponent -- is a decent matchup, as they have coughed up 14 turnovers thus far and QB Mac Jones has been sacked on 5.3 percent of dropbacks (20th). But there is some risk, as the Patriots…read more

The Browns recorded two sacks in the 15-10 loss to the Steelers in Week 8.

Analysis: It's unclear if CB Denzel Ward (hamstring) will be back for the Week 9 matchup against the Bengals after not practicing at all last week. His presence would be quite important in slowing down WRs Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The Bengals have been dominant offensively this year with 27.5 points per game. However, they've coughed up the ball 10 times in that stretch while QB Joe Burrow has been sacked 20 times. The upside is apparent, but they'll be a much riskier play if Ward can't go.

The Browns recorded an interception and two sacks in the 17-14 win over the Broncos in Week 7.

Analysis: The Browns contained QB Teddy Bridgewater on a shortened week, and now they'll look to slow down QB Ben Roethlisberger after the Steelers' bye week. The Steelers offer solid fantasy upside for opponents, as they've recorded seven turnovers and Roethlisberger has been sacked 12 times through six games. Furthermore, they've averaged just 19.5 points per contest. The Browns D/ST boasts a rock-slid floor and should be universally started as a result.

The Browns recorded two sacks in Sunday's 37-14 loss to the Cardinals in Week 6.

Analysis: The Browns also gave up 47 points in Week 5 against the Chargers, but both the Cardinals and Chargers are menacing offenses. The Browns rank tied for third in the league with 18 sacks despite sitting 29th with just four turnovers. They draw the Broncos on a short week Thursday. The Broncos rank 22nd in the league with 21 points per game, and QB Teddy Bridgewater has been sacked on a whopping 7.5 percent of dropbacks -- the ninth-most in the league. The Browns D/ST has major upside and a…read more

The Browns gave up 493 total yards and forced a turnover in the 47-42 loss to the Chargers in Week 5.

Analysis: The Browns got shredded by QB Justin Herbert; they could face a similar fate in Week 6 against Cardinals QB Kyler Murray. However, Murray's shoulder is bothering him, and it was clear in the Cardinals' Week 5 matchup versus the 49ers. That could provide some help for the Browns D/ST, though there's a significant risk considering the Cards posted at least 31 points in each of their first four games.

The Browns allowed 255 total yards and forced a turnover in the 14-7 win over the Vikings in Week 4.

Analysis: After allowing 54 total points through the first two weeks, the Browns have given up a combined 13 points over the last two weeks. They also rank fifth in the league with 12 sacks. The Week 5 matchup against the Chargers is concerning. Chargers coach Brandon Staley has optimized the team's weapons, which are plentiful, and they have put up 24.2 points per game (14th) while turning the ball over just four times. The Browns probably won't lose you your week, but this isn't the dominant outlook…read more

The Browns allowed 47 total yards and recorded nine sacks in their 26-6 win over the Bears in Week 3.

Analysis: The Browns tormented rookie QB Justin Fields in his first career start despite not forcing a turnover. Their outlook is a bit less optimistic in Week 4 against the Vikings. Through three games, the Vikings have averaged 29 points per game and coughing up just one turnover. They have the firepower at receiver to overpower the Browns' secondary, so they'll be fine even if RB Dalvin Cook can't go. And there's simply not that much upside given QB Kirk Cousins has been sacked just five times. The…read more

The Browns gave up 21 points and forced two turnovers in a 31-21 win over the Texans in Week 2.

Analysis: The Browns have two turnovers and three sacks through two games against the Chiefs and the Texans. They'll face the Bears in rookie QB Justin Fields' first career start in Week 3. We don't know the Bears' tendencies with a mobile quarterback under center, but we can expect the team to let him be creative with his feet. That could lead to some sacks, and rookie QBs are historically turnover-prone. Consider the Browns D/ST a high upside option in fantasy as a result.

The Browns allowed 33 points and 397 total yards to the Chiefs in Week 1.

Analysis: The Texans looked solid in the season opener, scoring 37 points while QB Tyrod Taylor was sacked just once. Of course, that was against the hapless Jaguars defense, and the Browns should expect a better result with firepower like DE Myles Garrett and CB Denzel Ward. Last season, the Browns forced 18 turnovers and registered 38 sacks. This is considered an elite D/ST option in Week 2.

CB Denzel Ward (undisclosed) will be ready for the Week 1 matchup against the Chiefs.

Analysis: It looks like DE Myles Garrett (hamstring) will be ready, too, meaning the defense's top two players will be good to go for the season opener. Nevertheless, the Chiefs are a tough task to open the 2021 season with. Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill are all healthy and poised for another dominant campaign. There's not much upside to chase since the Chiefs recorded just one multi-turnover game during the last regular season, but they're worth a stash with a Week 2 matchup against…read more

CB Denzel Ward (undisclosed) and DE Myles Garrett (hamstring) are battling injuries during training camp.

Analysis: The Browns don't believe either player has a serious injury at this time, but it's certainly worth keeping an eye on considering both players are among the best at their respective positions. They have depth at cornerback with rookie first-rounder Greg Newsome, Troy Hill and Greedy Williams, but this defense has nobody within the same galaxy as Garrett. As long as they shake off their injuries soon, the Browns D/ST is a top-end fantasy option this year. Just watch out for that Week 1 matchup…read more

The Browns' defense is at nearly full health heading into training camp.

Analysis: Rookie LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will start out on the COVID-19 list. Otherwise, the defense is in good shape, including 2019 second-round CB Greedy Williams, who missed his entire sophomore campaign with a shoulder injury. Williams won't be locked into a starting job this year, as he will compete with Troy Hill and rookie first-round pick Greg Newsome for playing time opposite Denzel Ward. The secondary is sturdy, and the pass rush should get a boost from a healthy DE Jadeveon Clowney, though…read more

The Browns allowed 26.2 points per game (21st) and forced 21 turnovers (18th) in 2020.

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The Browns let up 333 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 23-16 loss to the Jets in Week 16.

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The Browns allowed 288 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 20-6 win over the Giants.

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The Browns let up 385 total yards in the 47-42 loss to the Ravens in Week 14.

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The Browns allowed 431 total yards and forced three turnovers in the 41-35 win over the Titans in Week 13.

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The Browns gave up 375 total yards and didn't record a turnover in the 27-25 win over the Jaguars in Week 12.

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The Browns allowed 315 total yards and forced three turnovers in the 22-17 win over the Eagles in Week 11.

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The Browns gave up 243 total yards but didn't force a turnover in the 10-7 win over the Texans in Week 10.

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The Raiders let up 309 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 16-6 loss to the Raiders in Week 8.

Analysis: In windy conditions, the Raiders stuck to the ground game and piled up 209 rushing yards, keeping the Browns from forcing a turnover for just the second time this season. Still, they rank third in the league with 14 turnovers while ranking a modest 13th with 20 sacks. While Deshaun Watson is fairly safe with the ball, he gets sacked on 8.1 percent of dropbacks, providing an intriguing ceiling for Browns D/ST. However, the Texans have also scored at least 20 points in six straight games, so they…read more

The Browns allowed 468 total yards and forced two turnovers in a 37-34 win over the Bengals in Week 7.

Analysis: The Browns also added four sacks, following their usual script of letting up a ton of points, forcing some turnovers and taking down the QB. It usually leads to a wash in fantasy. The upside is there on a weekly basis, though, as the Browns' defense ranks first with 14 turnovers and ninth with 18 sacks. The Raiders have surpassed 20 points in every game this year and can beat teams on the ground and through the air. They do turn the ball over a bit, leaving some upside for Browns D/ST, but it's…read more

The Browns allowed 277 total yards and 38 points in a 38-7 loss to the Steelers in Week 6.

Analysis: The Browns' defense was only accountable for 31 points, as QB Baker Mayfield threw a pick-six in the first quarter. It was a brutal outing nonetheless, as the Browns failed to force a turnover for the first time this season. They have a great chance to get back on track Week 7 against the Bengals, who have coughed up a turnover in five straight games while QB Joe Burrow has been sacked on 8.9 percent of dropbacks. There's some concern about a shootout since the Bengals scored 30 points on the…read more

The Browns allowed 308 yards and forced two turnovers, running one back for a touchdown, in a 32-23 win over the Colts in Week 5.

Analysis: The Browns have allowed 29.2 points per game this season, the eighth-most in the league. Despite that, they're a top-10 fantasy defense, as they lead the league with 12 turnovers and rank 12th with 12 sacks through five games. The Browns are a tough sell for Week 6, though, as the Steelers have scored at least 26 points in every game this season and have another proven pass catcher in the form of Chase Claypool. With just four turnovers this season, the Steelers provide limited upside for…read more

The Browns allowed 566 total yards and forced three turnovers in a 49-38 win over the Cowboys in Week 4.

Analysis: For the third time in four weeks, the Browns allowed 30 or more points, but each time has been against a formidable offense (Bengals, Ravens, Cowboys). The jury's still out on the Colts, as they rank 18th in pass offense (245 yards/game) and 15th in run offense (115 yards/game), and they've turned the ball over just three times. Their opponents have been anything but threatening, though, and a steady pass rush from Myles Garrett could force Philip Rivers into a few mistakes, making Browns D/ST…read more

The Browns allowed 309 total yards and forced five turnovers in Week 3's 34-20 win over Washington.

Analysis: With three sacks as well, the Browns finished as the third highest-scoring defensive unit in Week 3. A Week 4 matchup against the Cowboys is less favorable, especially if starting CBs Denzel Ward (groin) and Greedy Williams (shoulder) can't play. Ward seems to be trending in the wrong direction, and with the Cowboys scoring a combined 71 points over the last two weeks, leave the Browns D/ST off your roster this week.

The Browns allowed 353 total yards and forced a turnover in Week 2's 35-30 win over the Bengals.

Analysis: For a second straight week, the Browns allowed 30 or more points, although they faced worthy offenses -- Baltimore and Cincinnati. They were able to sack rookie QB Joe Burrow three times, but it was an otherwise unimpressive performance by the Browns. Facing off against Washington should be more favorable, though. Even if QB Dwayne Haskins is improving, he's still registered a 56.3 completion percentage and 6.3 yards per attempt through two games. That should create a nice floor for Browns…read more

The Browns allowed 391 total yards to the Ravens in Week 1's 38-6 loss.

Analysis: The Browns predictably had no answer for reigning MVP Lamar Jackson, especially since their secondary was depleted with the absences of CB Greedy Williams (shoulder) and CB Kevin Johnson (abdomen). It's possible both are back in the lineup, but you'll want to confirm that before deploying Browns D/ST. Rookie QB Joe Burrow looked the part in Week 1, leading an excellent two-minute drill and running for a 23-yard score, and the team is loaded with weapons with A.J. Green looking back in form.…read more

The Browns will travel for Week 1's matchup versus the Ravens.

Analysis: It's bad enough to start the year against one of the top offenses in the league, but they're getting no gifts with injuries, either. CB Greedy Williams (shoulder) and CB Kevin Johnson (abdomen) have already been ruled out, and CB M.J. Stewart (hamstring) is questionable. The biggest issue is stopping the Ravens' run game, though, and the linebacking corps is reason for concern, as rookie Jacob Phillips is expected to start at weak-side linebacker while last year's special-teams LB Sione…read more

DE Myles Garrett (suspension) is eligible to play in Week 1's game versus the Ravens.

Analysis: The Mason Rudolph incident is behind him, and Garrett is back for his fourth NFL season. He was a menace in 2019 with 10 sacks and 29 quarterback pressures through 10 games, and now he's saddled with a $125 million contract extension. The Browns will need his pass-rushing abilities to stay constant, as there were multiple changes to the linebacker corps, including the departure of Joe Schobert, and the team has two new starting safeties in Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo.

The Browns allowed 31 points and 481 total yards to the Ravens in Week 16's loss.

Analysis: This is the fourth straight game where the Browns allowed over 440 total yards, and only one of those came from a legitimate contender (the Ravens). The Browns forced a total of four turnovers and made three sacks during that stretch, so their ceiling is troubling. Even against the Bengals, the Browns D/ST is tough to depend on. The Bengals have coughed up zero or one turnover in three of the last four games, and their offense has been capable of production lately. Shy away from this defensive…read more

The Browns allowed 38 points and 445 total yards in Week 15's loss to the Cardinals.

Analysis: This was the Browns' worst performance since Week 1, as Kyler Murray avoided a sack for the first time this year and threw just one pick. There was major dysfunction, and fantasy owners paid for it. Drop them out of spite if your league doesn't play Week 17, as this isn't a viable matchup to deploy them against. The Ravens lead the league with 33.7 PPG and 409.7 total YPG, and Lamar Jackson looks simply unstoppable. However, if your league plays Week 17, they're a worthy stash against for a…read more

The Browns allowed 19 points and 451 total yards to the Bengals in Week 14's win.

Analysis: The Browns practiced "bend but don't break", as they forced the Bengals to kick four field goals in the contest while allowing just one touchdown. They've done this all year, as they've allowed opponents to score on 54.8 percent of red-zone trips -- the 12th-best rate in the league. They'll look to exploit the Cardinals in that arena, as the Kyler Murray-led offense has converted on just 38.1 percent of its trips -- third-lowest in the league. This should give the Browns a solid foundation, and…read more

The Browns allowed 20 points and 323 total yards in Week 13's loss to the Steelers.

Analysis: The Browns' pass rush has been alright without Myles Garrett (suspension), recording five sacks over the last two games. The Bengals finally achieved their first win of the year, but they've yet to surpass 23 points in a game. That provides a solid floor, and facing off against the Bengals offers an excellent ceiling. Andy Dalton has been sacked on 7.4 percent of his dropbacks (13th) while the team has given up 22 turnovers -- the sixth-most in the league. Feel comfortable firing this unit up…read more

The Browns allowed 24 points and 284 total yards to the Dolphins in Week 12's win.

Analysis: A matchup against the Dolphins isn't a valid measuring stick for the Browns' first game without Myles Garrett (suspension), and the Steelers will be a much tougher task. They shut them down to the tune of seven points and four turnovers at home two weeks ago, but now they'll head to Heinz Field. The Steelers will swap out Mason Rudolph for Devlin Hodges under center. While neither are a top-notch option, Hodges provided a spark last week against the Bengals, posting 10.7 YPA and a score. The…read more

DE Myles Garrett (suspension) and SS Morgan Burnett are out for the rest of the season, while DE Larry Ogunjobi (suspension) won't play in Week 12's game against the Dolphins.

Analysis: The Browns will be without two of their starting defensive linemen, and they could be missing another if Olivier Vernon (knee) is unable to play. Most of their wounds are self-inflicted, but it still affects the potential of their defense. Garrett and Ogunjobi combined for 15 of the team's 30 sacks this season, while Burnett averaged 5.1 tackles per game with a key role in pass coverage. In Week 11, the Dolphins managed 280 passing yards against the Bills -- who are ranked third in pass defense…read more

The Browns allowed 16 points and didn't force a turnover against the Bills in Week 10's win.

Analysis: The Browns held the Bills off the scoreboard well, but it wasn't an appealing fantasy day by any measure with just one sack on Josh Allen. Their inability to get to Allen was troubling, but the Browns still rank 10th with 26 sacks in nine games. Olivier Vernon (knee) likely won't suit up in this contest, but the Browns' secondary is still fully healthy. They should be able to take advantage of QB Mason Rudolph, who had one of his fumbles returned for a score in Week 10, but he's avoided sacks…read more