Cleveland Browns: Predicting statistical leaders in 2018

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 19: Christian Kirksey #58 of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a play in the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 19, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 19: Christian Kirksey #58 of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a play in the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 19, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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David Njoku Cleveland Browns
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 17: Tight end David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Offensive Statistical Leaders

Rushing Yards: Carlos Hyde

Cleveland has three competent backs in Hyde, Chubb, and Duke Johnson. The toughest task for offensive coordinator Todd Haley will be getting them all the ball enough times to make sure they all are used to the best of their abilities.

Hyde is the most experienced of the bunch and can be a workhorse. Expect Cleveland to use him for the majority of their first and second down carries as they move the chains. In the end, he will be the one with the most carries and most yards.

Rushing Touchdowns: Nick Chubb

While Hyde will get the most touches, look for the Browns to try and get rookie Nick Chubb on the field whenever possible. He was great in the red zone last season, running in 15 touchdowns as a senior. Here we predict that he becomes the goal line back for the Browns and gets rewarded with a lot of clean-up touchdowns.

Total Receptions: Jarvis Landry

A lot of money was given to Jarvis Landry this offseason and he’s going to earn that in 2018. He led the league in catches last season, even if the overall yardage wasn’t great. He may not have triple digits again, but Landry will likely end up with a minimum of 80 receptions for the Browns and will be their No. 1 target.

Receiving Yards: Jarvis Landry

Not only will he lead them in catches, but yards will belong to the former Miami Dolphin as well. Landry may not get much more than the 8.8 yards per catch he had last season, but he should see that increase thanks to Todd Haley being a smart play caller. That will lead him to being the top yardage gainer as well for the orange and brown.

Receiving Touchdowns: David Njoku

One area that Landry won’t lead the team in is touchdown catches. That honor ends up going to second-year tight end David Njoku. The third of the Browns first-round picks from 2017, Njoku showed signs of being a star in his first season. With a better quarterback and some help around him, look for the athletic freak to have a huge season, possibly ending with double-digit touchdowns.

Schedule