The Browns are getting one of Baker Mayfield’s favorite targets from his rookie season back this week, as tight end David Njoku is expected to be activated from injured reserve and play against the Bengals. While he will almost certainly give Cleveland’s offense a boost, should Njoku be trusted in fantasy football lineups?
With Week 14 being the start of the playoffs for most fantasy leagues, many fantasy owners remain desperate for tight end help in what has been a down year at the position. Cincinnati’s defense is nothing special, so Njoku will have a chance to find the end zone on Sunday. He’s probably worth starting in deep leagues or leagues that start two tight ends, but it would not be a surprise if he is on a strict snap count after being out since Week 2 with a wrist injury.
In Week 15, however, Njoku couldn’t ask for a better matchup than when the Browns take on the Cardinals. Arizona has not been able to cover tight ends all season, and they are giving up by far the most fantasy points to the position. Last week, Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (who?) lit them up for seven catches, 107 yards and a touchdown. Other smash performances against Arizona include Austin Hooper’s eight catches for 116 yards and a touchdown and Greg Olsen’s six receptions for 75 yards and two scores.
You get the picture.
If you’re desperate, there are worse options than Njoku this week. He’s was one of Mayfield’s favorite targets in the red zone last season, and the Browns have been terrible in that part of the field in 2019. If you start Njoku against the Bengals, you’re hoping for a touchdown. Assuming he gets through the game without any setbacks, he could turn into one of the biggest steals of the season in Week 15.
