INSIDE THE NUMBERS
After catching 68 balls for 763 yards in 2010, both career highs, Ben Watson’s 2011 campaign was hampered by concussions. He caught a pair of touchdowns in the first two games, but was pretty much rendered useless after that. Backup Evan Moore displayed great pass-catching skills in relief and scored four times while generating 324 yards receiving on just 34 receptions. With the Browns struggling to score at times, neither player is poised for big numbers in the year ahead barring an injury to another.

SCHEDULE
A year ago the Browns had the NFL’s easiest schedule and they went 4-12. This year they have the third toughest slate with their opponents combining for a .527 winning percentage a year ago. In addition to be pitted against the NFC East and AFC West teams, they get Buffalo at home and Indy on the road to go along with their six divisional tilts with the Bengals, Ravens, and Steelers. Even if the Browns are improved, this is a tough road and is going to limit the team’s ability to produce big offensive numbers.

STUD
There’s no doubting Trent Richardson’s talent and the Browns seemingly are ready to give the ball early and often, making him the centerpiece of their offense. While we already project Richardson to be a low-end RB1 right out of the gate, owners should avoid spending a first-round pick on him as the Browns’ offense is loaded with question marks and he’s a bit unproven. His current ADP has him going 17th overall is a decent spot to grab him, but in keeper/dynasty formats his value rises immediately.

DUD
When Peyton Hillis departed via free agency it appeared as if Montario Hardesty suddenly was starting to have some fantasy value. However, the team’s drafting of Richardson crushed it quickly. He posted 388 total yards and 102 touches in limited action a year ago as he worked his way back from a knee injury. His 3.0 per carry average was not his fault, but showed that he clearly is ready to contribute to fantasy teams any time soon. He should only be considered as late-round flyer in deeper formats.

SLEEPER
Greg Little took some time to get going during his rookie season, but he showed some great flashes down the stretch. He tallied 414 receiving yards over eight games in the second half and was targeted an eye-popping 12 times. He was only able to parlay that into 61 catches for 709 yards though and only scored twice all year long.  Part of the equation was the poor play at quarterback, but Little also dropped plenty of balls. Expect some maturation entering his sophomore campaign and view him as a low-end WR3 with increased upside in PPR leagues.

NEW ADDITIONS
The Browns’ defense was average at best in 2011 and particularly struggled to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks and had problems to stop. The team attempted to address the weakness by signing free agents Frostee Rucker, a decent run-stopping defensive end from the Bengals, and situational pass rusher Juqua Thomas-Parker. While neither player will warrant much play in IDP leagues their presence does help boost the value of the Browns ST/DEF and the IDP value of Jabaal Sheard, who registered 8.5 sacks as a rookie.

POSITION BATTLE
Poor quarterback play has plagued the Browns for years. Aside from the Pro Bowl season turned in by Derek Anderson during 2007, it has been dismal under center in Cleveland. Colt McCoy appears to be the franchise’s latest failed attempt to fill it. The Browns spent a late first-round pick on 28-year old Brandon Weeden. He is expected to take the offense over immediately as a rookie, but he’ll have to hold off the incumbent McCoy. Either way there is little for fantasy owners or Browns fans to get excited about in 2012.

BENCH BUILDER
As indicator of how few other parts of the Browns’ offense that excites me from a fantasy standpoint, I’ve turned to place kicker Phil Dawson as my filler in this spot. I always take a kicker with my last pick or just spend a $1 and if you happen to grab one of the last kickers, Dawson may be worth considering. He drilled 7-of-8 kicks from 50-plus yards in 2011 and has been accurate on at least 82 percent of his attempts over the past five years. If Richardson is even remotely successful in helping the Browns move the ball Dawson could have a banner year.

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Here’s a quick take on all the impending quarterback battles to watch as training camp approaches (incumbent list first):

Mark Sanchez vs. Tim Tebow (NYJ)
The circus that is the New York Jets brought Tim Tebow to the show and with the media presence there things could get ugly.  The Jets are a run-first team and that won’t change, but if Sanchez can’t cut down on his turnovers (26 last year) his leash will be short. Expect Tebow to be used in certain packages, but Sanchez should still easily remain the primary guy under center.

Kevin Kolb vs. John Skelton (ARZ)
Last season’s free-agent addition of Kevin Kolb did not pay dividends for the Cardinals in 2011. Kolb only played in nine games due to injury and threw just nine TD’s with eight interceptions while averaging just 217 passing yards per game, including just one 300-yard day. Skelton developed chemistry with the team’s start wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and went 5-2 as a starter down the stretch. Kolb is currently listed atop the depth chart, but this job is up for grabs this preseason.

Tavaris Jackson vs. Matt Flynn (SEA)
The team was able to lure Green Bay backup Matt Flynn to the Emerald City and the newcomer will have a leg up on Tavaris Jackson heading into training camp. Flynn is mostly unproven, but did show flashes of brilliance in minor action last year for the Packers. The Seahawks are not the Packers though so he’ll have to prove he can do well on his own. Jackson will get his chance again if Flynn falters.

Matt Hasselbeck vs. Jake Locker (TEN)
The 36-year old Matt Hasselbeck is clearly nearing the end of his career.  After the team invested heavily in Jake Locker in last year’s draft it’s only a matter of time before they give the youngster a crack. Hasselbeck is still capable of winning games though so it might take an injury or a slow start to make the Titans’ brass pull the trigger. It’s not a matter of if, but when Locker gets a look.

Matt Moore vs. Ryan Tannehill vs. David Garrard (MIA)
They wanted Peyton Manning or at least Matt Flynn, but the Dolphins had to settle on free agent David Garrard to build depth at the position. That led to the team drafting Ryan Tannehill earlier than many teams projected him.  He is very raw, but the rookie should benefit from his college coach, Mike Sherman, now serving as the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator. Veteran incumbent Matt Moore help a team that started 0-7 finish with some respectability a year ago while passing for 2,497 yards and 16 touchdowns against nine interceptions. It’s anybody’s job, but it would be surprising if Moore was not the starter come Week 1.

Blaine Gabbert vs. Chad Henne (JCK)
It is sink or swim time for second-year quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who was dreadful at times as a rookie. The team has added some weapons to throw to, highlighted by first-round pick Justin Blackmon.  With a big contract Gabbert is going to be given every chance to succeed, but Chad Henne will be chomping at the bit to get a chance of his own. This could be both of these players last legitimate crack at a NFL starting job if they falter. Gabbert is the guy for now, but he likely won’t be for long.

Colt McCoy vs. Brandon Weeden (CLE)
You don’t spend a first-round pick on a 28-year old quarterback unless you guy to play him right away, but this is the Browns so you never know. All signs point to rookie Brandon Weeden starting over veteran Colt McCoy, who has thrown for 20 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in two years with the team over 21 starts. During that span McCoy has had just one 300-yard game. Weeden won’t have a ton of weapons, but if fellow rookie Trent Richardson is as good as advertised he could find some moderate success quickly.

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Heading into the 2012 NFL Draft, fantasy owners were chomping at the bit to see where Alabama running back Trent Richardson would fall.  Where he landed left many disappointed.

In recent years fantasy players go to the Dawg Pound and die. Aside from Braylon Edwards’ one decent season when Derek Anderson actually looked like a quarterback in 2007, Cleveland’s offense has finished in the bottom five in the league in scoring offense in every year since 2003.

The Browns offensive line is on the upswing. While the unit lacks depth, its young core has upside. That should translate into plenty of good running lanes for the rookie.

With Montario Hardesty currently listed as the team’s No. 2 back on the depth chart, Richardson will not have to worry about competition for carries either.

In addition, Richardson’s size and ability allow him to be effective on all three downs and will lead to more touches than a typical NFL back. Richardson could easily lead the NFL in touches as a rookie.

The main concern is the team’s passing game.  The Browns drafted a 28-year old quarterback, Brandon Weeden, in the first round and aside from Greg Little there is little talent and/or experience in the receiving corps.

The poor passing attack will allow defenses to cheat and stack the box to slow down Richardson.

2012 PROJECTIONS
309 carries, 1,274 RuYd; 45 receptions,  513 yards, 5 ReTD

FINAL TAKE
As you can see I am extremely high on the rookie despite the limitations Cleveland may bring. Assuming he stays healthy Richardson will finish as a top 10 fantasy producer at the position, with the upside of being a top 5 fantasy RB.  He comes with risk though and therefore should be looked at more of a second-round pick in upcoming season drafts. His upside makes him a top 5 dynasty RB immediately

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Get your free football picks againt the spread and live football odds from our friends at Doc's Sports.

****

Easily one of my personal favorites, the Browns missing out on an apparent Super Bowl:

1986 AFC Championship Game
Where: Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, OH
Final Score: Denver Broncos 23, Cleveland Browns 20 (OT)

The legend of Elway and the growing legend of Browns playoff heartbreaks intersected in the 1986 AFC title game.

Tied at 13 with less than six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Bernie Kosar hit Brian Brennan for a 48-yard touchdown that thrilled the Dawg Pound. 

The Broncos' returners botched the ensuing kickoff, setting up the offense at their own 2-yard line.

You know the rest. Elway drove the Broncos 98 yards in 15 plays to tie the game.

In overtime, the Broncos forced a three-and-out, then Elway put Rich Karlis in position for a game-winning field goal and a trip to Pasadena for Super Bowl XXI.

COMPLETE SLIDESHOW (BleacherReport.com)

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Let's take a look at some of the coaching changes coming around the league...

BENGALS
The team’s agreement with Marvin Lewis is up and after eight years Lewis is unsure that he wants to stay in Cincinnati or not. There is reportedly interest from Pitt, who recently fired their coach. The 49ers also could talk to Lewis. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted that the "Bengals expect HC Marvin Lewis now will remain in Cincinnati. The two sides expect to resolve any issues within next 24 hours”.  ESPN.com’s AFC North blogger James Adams explains why neither Lewis nor Mike Brown could do better.

BRONCOS
The Denver Broncos fired Josh McDaniels last month and now they are speeding up their search to find a permanent replacement. The Broncos tweeted on Tuesday that they will interview Falcons’ offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey on Friday in Atlanta. He struggled as the head man in Buffalo, but who didn’t. Known for his trickery during his time in the league, he could make for a logical fit to groom quarterback Tim Tebow.

BROWNS
Browns’ president Mike Holmgren isn’t ruling out a return to the sidelines after firing Eric Mangini, but don’t expect to see it happen now. The Browns have confirmed a pair of interviews with Falcons’ offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, Giants’ defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, and Eagles’ offensive coordinator Marty Morningwheg.

Stay tuned for more updates...

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Winning NFL picks, odds and power rankings all from our friends at Doc's Sports Service.

The Cincinnati Bengals had a chance to make up a game on Pittsburgh and grab a share of first place in the AFC North, but they blew it on Sunday as they lost 23-20 to the Cleveland Browns.

THE GOOD
Terrell Owens – The veteran moved into second-place on the all-time career NFL receiving yard list by pulling in 10 balls for 222 yards and a touchdown. It was by far his best performance as a Bengal.

Leon Hall – Hall came up with an interception for a third straight game. He continues to prove he’s one of the league’s top cornerbacks.

THE BAD
Cedric Benson – He averaged 4 yards per carry, but the fact he only got 15 carries is not a good recipe for success.  The Bengals only rushed the ball 18 times in the game compared to the Browns 35.

Carson Palmer – Despite showing some signs of life, Palmer continued to make poor decisions and is holding onto the ball too long.  His two fumbles were costly and ultimately the difference in the game.

Penalties – The Bengals continue to shoot themselves in the foot with stupid mistakes. In total, the team was flagged eight times for 79 yards.

THE UGLY
Special Teams – A week after looking so good, the Bengals’ special teams had a day they would like forget. Blocking assignments allowed the Browns to penetrate through the line and block a Mike Nugent field goal.  The team finished with just 49 total return yards on the game with two yards on three punt returns and 47 yards on five kick returns.

QUOTE OF NOTE
"We're frustrated.  I don't think personally, I'm frustrated. From the standpoint of us knowing we have offensive weapons and we're not moving the ball like we're capable of moving it -- that's where the frustration comes in." – Terrell Owens

UP NEXT
The Bengals will look to bounce back next week when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1). The young Bucs have looked good early on this season and are coming off a bye.

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A new regime has arrived in Cleveland with Mike Holmgren taking over the control of the team. While the former Seahawks and Packers’ coach opted to retain Eric Mangini, he opted to completely turnover the depth chart at quarterback.

The team released Derek Anderson first and then opted to trade former first-round selection, Brady Quinn, to Denver for fullback Peyton Hills, the Browns’ sixth-round pick in 2011 and a conditional late-round choice in 2012.

Neither Anderson nor Quinn has performed well of late.  Since his Pro Bowl season of 2007, Anderson has managed just 12 touchdowns while throwing 18 interceptions. Likewise, Quinn has failed to deliver with his brief opportunities after a stellar college career at Notre Dame.

With both quarterbacks cleared from the roster the Browns have turned the reigns over to a pair of off-season acquisitions, Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace.

Delhomme has thrown 30 interceptions over the past two seasons and that did him in as the Panthers pulled the plug on him as a starter late in ’09. The Browns gave him a two-year, $7 million offer.

Holmgren is familiar with Wallace since his days in Seattle as he drafted him. It comes as little surprise that the Browns’ front man wasted no time in swapping a conditional late-round pick in 2012 (6th or 7th rounder) to scoop up the dual-threat signal caller.

The Browns are also believed to be strongly considering drafting a quarterback early in the draft.  Cleveland holds the No. 7 overall pick in next month’s draft.

***
FINAL TAKE: Ridding themselves of Brady Quinn is a plus. I never expected him to be successful at this level, but perhaps in a new system he could still develop. Anderson was a flash in the pan and is nothing more than an average backup. While I am not overly optimistic that either Delhomme or Wallace will suffice as a short-term replacement, I do consider the series of moves as a success for Cleveland and a definite upgrade.

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This sign was seen as last Monday's Browns-Ravens game in Cleveland. Too funny...

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Here a quick take and the fantasy impact (albeit minimal) on some developing QB situations:

BUFFALO - Ryan Fitzpatrick has led the Bills to two straight wins and even though Trent Edwards (concussion) has returned to limited practice, the team is opting to stick with Fitzpatrick at least for Week 8. Fitzpatrick only has value in deep leagues and ones that require starting two quarterbacks.

CLEVELAND - It appears as if the Browns have seen enough of Brady Quinn as they are sticking with Derek Anderson despite his struggles. With just one touchdown and five interceptions over his last three games, Anderson isn't much of an option.

DETROIT - Matthew Stafford is nearing a return from rookie Matthew Stafford (knee), but his status for Week 8 is unclear at this point. If he fails to make it back this week, don't be surprised to see Drew Stanton over Daunte Culpepper get the shot. When healthy Stafford makes for a decent QB2 for owners that have a solid QB1 and those playing in keeper or dynasty formats.

TAMPA BAY - With little left to play for this season, the Bucs have turned to rookie Josh Freeman. The first-rounder apparently is 12 pounds over his listed playing weight and is very raw. Not only are none of the Bucs' quarterbacks fantasy worthy, the rest of the players in the offense all take a dip in value.

TENNESSEE - Team owner Bud Adams has called for Vince Young, but head coach Jeff Fischer is not ready to make it official. He will reportedly name the team's starter for Week 8 following Thursday's practice. Expect to see Young get his crack sooner rather than the later.  Young definitely has more value than Collins going forward, but that's not saying much.

SAN FRANCISCO - Shaun Hill is giving way to former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith. Smith did come in off the bench and toss three touchdowns last week vs. the Texans. While he's more appealing than most of the names on this list owners need to take a wait-and-see approach before considering picking up the 49ers' new starter.

WASHINGTON - The Redskins' offense has been disappointing all season long, but don't expect Jason Campbell to get pulled any time soon. Still, you can do much better than him for a QB2 and job security will remain an issue if he can't turn things around soon. The problem is Todd Collins is not a viable option.

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Wide receiver Braylon Edwards got his wish and got traded out of Cleveland. The Browns dealt the disgruntled wideout to the Jets on Wednesday morning in exchange for Chansi Stuckey, Jason Trusnick, and two mid-draft picks.

Edwards has failed to live up to his potential after breakout 2007 campaign in which he scored 17 touchdowns. This move brings an immediate boost to his fantasy value, but don't think he's suddenly going to re-emerge as an elite fantasy option any time soon.

The fifth-year veteran was terrible last year and his stats so far this season (10 catches for 139 yards with no touchdowns) are mirroring that disappointing campaign. 

With Edwards' contract expiring at the end of the year, there is reason though to think that the fresh start with a playoff contender will be a huge boost to his production.

It is going to take time for Edwards to develop chemistry with Jets' rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, but the offense in New York is very similar to the one Edwards has been a part of with the Browns and that will help.

Jerricho Cotchery, who was on pace to challenge to be a top 10 fantasy wideout, now will more than likely fall in as a decent No. 2 option as we expected. Though at least in the short-term, Cotchery remains the better fantasy option.

As for the impact in Cleveland, Mohammad Massaquoi becomes an even better pick-up than he was yesterday (one of my favorite waiver wire options this week).

Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum says Edwards is being prepared to start Monday night's game against the Dolphins, according to ProFootballTalk.com

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