Cleveland Browns: 3 Stat predictions for Week 1 vs. Ravens
By Cory Kinnan
Austin Hooper leads the team in receptions
The strongest position group on the Ravens’ roster? Their cornerback room.
Starting two Pro Bowlers in Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters at the cornerback spot, the Ravens have the ability to take Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry out of the gameplan for the Browns. However, if Stefanski is as smart as he is chalked up to be and worth his money, he will account for this in his play-calling.
Should Beckham and Landry be taken out by the two Pro Bowl cornerbacks, then expect free agent addition and Pro Bowl tight end Austin Hooper to be incorporated into the gameplan early and often. With Judon and Pernell McPhee joining Wolfe and Campbell in the pass rush for the Ravens, especially in Wills’ first start at left tackle, Mayfield may have to have a great internal timer in getting rid of the ball; having a reliable option like Hooper to dump the ball to will be an asset.
Again, Fort and the rookie in Queen are the starting linebacker for the Ravens, so expecting them to consistently hit their landmarks in zone coverage or stick with the Pro Bowl tight end with Hooper on a play-by-play basis may be a tough ask. Do you own Hooper in your fantasy football leagues? Start him.