Let's take a step back from reality for one second and enter the Fantasy Football world. The Browns and Jets matchup this weekend leaves fantasy owners few options when it comes to waiver-wire pickups and starting position decisions. Let's take a closer look and I'll tell you what I mean:
QB - Mark Sanchez, NYJ; Colt McCoy, CLE - Sanchez has actually been a pretty solid fantasy quarterback this season. Early in the year he was throwing touchdowns and wasn't throwing interceptions. He did have a horrible week against the Packers a couple weeks ago but rebounded nicely last week against the Lions. Even so, I would make Sanchez a starter this week only if your regular quarterback is on a BYE or you simply don't have a better option. The Brown made Tom Brady look pretty silly last week and I can't imagine Sanchez having much better luck - at least from a fantasy perspective.
As for McCoy, there simply isn't enough of a sample size to make McCoy a weekly play, and the Jets defense is among the best in football. Steer clear, but keep your eyes on McCoy's free agent status.
RB - LaDanian Tomlinson/Shonn Greene, NYJ; Peyton Hillis, CLE - We'll start with Hillis who is now a must play each week if you have him. With McCoy at QB, the Browns are going to keep feeding the ball to Hillis meaning he is going to get plenty of opportunities. With injuries to Mike Bell, I really don't know who else the Browns can trust, either.
The Jets are moving more and more towards a 50-50 splits on carries with L.T. and Shonn Green sharing time. Tomlinson seems to be slowing down as the season wears on, and Greene has been coming on strong, much like he did last season. I doubt the Browns will allow L.T. to do much damage, but Greene's leg are fresh and he could get a bulk of the load in the 2nd half.
WR - Braylon Edwards, NYJ - As much as it pains me to say it, there really is only one play worth while this week at WR and that's Edwards who has become the Jet's feature downfield target - even with Santonio Holmes. Edwards has been talking a big game all week and wants to put on a show in front of his former team on their field. A diva receiver that is motivated is a dangerous combo, especially against a defense that has given up the big play.
TE - Dustin Keller, NYJ; Benjamin Watson, CLE - Keller is a Top-5 tight end this season and should be treated as such by fantasy owners. Whenever the going gets tough for Mark Sanchez he looks for Keller. The same can be said for Watson. Colt McCoy has targeted Watson more and more since becoming the starter and I look for that to continue.
D/ST - The Jets defense is among the best at football - sack, turnovers, points - they do it all. If you own the Jets, playing the Browns is not going to make you sit them down. the Browns, on the other hand, are an interesting gamble. There is always the threat of Josh Cribbs making something happen on special teams, and with two touchdowns a few weeks ago against the Saints the Browns D is proving opportunistic as well. If you are up against it the Browns might be a gamble worth taking.
A mixed bag for sure in terms of fantasy when it comes to the Browns and Jets. Of course, Browns fans won't mind a fantasy loss if it means a Browns win.