The Cleveland Browns have a pair of running backs, which means they will split the carries and catches, making their fantasy impact somewhat limited.
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 742 yards rushing, 4.7 TDs
Over or under: These are modest numbers for a team whose coach wants to run the ball to set up a big-play passing game. But they reflect the Browns' situation: They have two backs who will share time, which means sharing touches, yards and touchdowns. Crowell started the preseason opener, an indication that the Browns would like him to be the early-down back, which also might indicate he'll get more chances to run the ball inside the 5. That might bode well for his touchdown numbers, but Crowell has yet to emerge as a true, dependable back. He looked very good early in training camp, but in the preseason opener he did not get much accomplished in limited time (eight snaps). Though the projected numbers seem accurate, Crowell himself is little more than a projection at this point as his role is not very secure.
Duke Johnson
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 654 yards rushing, 4 TDs, 52 receptions, 1.5 TDs.
Over or under: This projection sees Johnson's catches drop from 61 to 52 and his receiving yards from 534 to 414, but it sees his running yards go from 379 to 654 while his rushing touchdowns stay the same. In Johnson's case, the receiving seems pessimistic while the running totals seem optimistic. Like Crowell, Johnson is a large guess. Not even Johnson could say what his role would be when camp started. However, he's so good out of the backfield, it's tough to see that not being his main role. To think that Johnson and Crowell would combine for 1,300-plus yards rushing behind an offensive line with major question marks is very optimistic. I'd take the under on Johnson regarding rushing numbers, but the over on his passing projection.
Who else could see time: To be determined. The Browns are taking a look at several backs who could be the third, but nobody has emerged as a legitimate candidate.
