The Worksheet, a fantasy football overview by Rich Hribar, breaking down everything you need to know for the Week 17 Cleveland Browns at Washington Commanders Sunday afternoon game.
| Cleveland | Rank | @ | Washington | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | Spread | -2.5 | ||
| 19 | Implied Total | 21.5 | ||
| 21.5 | 14 | Points/Gm | 19 | 24 |
| 22.9 | 21 | Points All./Gm | 20.9 | 12 |
| 67 | 5 | Plays/Gm | 67.3 | 4 |
| 60.4 | 5 | Opp. Plays/Gm | 58.6 | 2 |
| 5.3 | 20 | Off. Yards/Play | 5 | 26 |
| 5.6 | 20 | Def. Yards/Play | 5.3 | 13 |
| 47.76% | 9 | Rush% | 45.59% | 11 |
| 52.24% | 24 | Pass% | 54.41% | 22 |
| 45.70% | 26 | Opp. Rush % | 43.69% | 19 |
| 54.30% | 7 | Opp. Pass % | 56.31% | 14 |
- The past five Cleveland games have gone under the game total, the longest streak in the league.
- The Browns are averaging 4.5 yards per play since Deshaun Watson returned in Week 13, 30th in the league over that span.
- Cleveland is averaging 0.91 points per drive over that span, the fewest in the league.
- Over that same period, Cleveland is allowing 1.22 points per drive, second in the league.
- The Browns have forced opponents to punt on 48.3% of drives over that span, the highest rate in the league.
- Washington has scored on 28.6% of their first half possessions, 31st in the league.
- 76.7% (23-of-30) of the Washington touchdowns have come via passing, second in the league behind the Buccaneers (84.0%).
- 57.6% (19-of-33) of the Cleveland touchdowns have come via rushing, second in the league.
Quarterback
Deshaun Watson: Battling the elements, a tough pass defense, and some miscues from his pass catchers, Watson completed 15-of-31 passes for 135 yards with an interception against the Saints, adding 24 yards and a rushing touchdown on the ground.
Since returning to the field, Watson has been the QB30, QB14, QB21, and QB18. What has hurt him the most is performance in high-leverage spots. Watson has completed 42.9% of his passes on third down (ahead of only Trace McSorley), 31.8% of his red zone passes (last), and just 10.0% of his deep targets (also last) over the past four weeks. The Browns also have eight dropped passes over that span, 27th in the league.
It is tough to expect a spike week here on the road attached to this team total, but if looking for the potential upside following two poor weather games against better pass defenses in the Ravens and Saints, this is Watson’s best matchup since returning. Washington is allowing 7.1 yards per pass attempt (17th), a 4.8% touchdown rate (30th), and 0.440 passing points per attempt (26th) to quarterbacks. They also are 23rd in rushing yardage allowed (22.1 yards per game) to passers. I like this spot to be Watson's best fantasy performance and a have him as a fringe QB1 option.
