Cleveland Browns: Several players in ESPN top-200 fantasy rankings

Cleveland Browns fans can comfortably draft some Browns players this year in fantasy football, according to ESPN’s fantasy rankings.

The Cleveland Browns open the preseason next Thursday, meaning it is about time to reactivate those fantasy football leagues.

And while most fans from around the NFL will avoid drafting any Browns players, Browns fans may be able to sneak some value onto the roster by taking some of the hometown favorites.

ESPN released its top-200 rankings for the upcoming fantasy season, for both PPR (points-per-reception) and non-PPR leagues.

In both rankings, the Browns had four players make the list: Isaiah Crowell, Kenny Britt, Corey Coleman and Duke Johnson.

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The loss of Terrelle Pryor seemed to decimate the fantasy value from the Browns’ roster, but Crowell could easily be one of the more consistent fantasy backs in the league if Hue Jackson doesn’t abandon the run early in every game this season.

Then there is Johnson, who will likely see a lot of action in the receiving game, racking up easy points in PPR leagues.

Britt should also do well in PPR leagues as he likely slots in as the team’s number one receiver, at least until Coleman proves he can handle that role.

It is hard to judge Coleman’s rookie season based on his injuries and the fact he had to work with so many quarterbacks, but he didn’t do anything to warrant an automatic nod as the top guy.

That is why the team went out and got the veteran Britt, who put up similar numbers to Pryor a season ago.

So from a fantasy standpoint, it may be tough to spend a pick on Coleman until the very end of any draft. He could be a steal, but Britt seems like the safer option for now.

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It is always difficult for Browns fans to trust a Browns player to do well in fantasy, but there are some legitimate options to help fantasy teams this season. Perhaps one day this will become an expectation as opposed to some hopeful thinking.