Browns love DPJ

Per Browns insider Scott Petrak, “the front office and coaching staff are big believers” in WR Donovan Peoples-Jones. Petrak writes that DJP will get “every chance” to start alongside Amari Cooper. The 3rd-year man was always a likely starter, but it’s nice to get confirmation ahead of training camp. DPJ’s fantasy value remains tied to the suspension status of Deshaun Watson.

Browns WR Donovan Peoples-Jones drew a season-high 12 targets in Sunday's loss to the Bengals, leading the team in that category, receptions (8) and receiving yards (114). He led Amari Cooper by 5 pass routes in a game Cooper entered questionable with a hip issue. Cooper did check in 3rd on the team with 7 targets but caught only 2 (for 42 yards). His usage bodes well for his Week 15 role. TE David Njoku finished between the wideouts with 9 targets, catching 7 balls for 59 yards and the team's lone TD.

Browns WR Donovan Peoples-Jones led the team in receiving yards Sunday, but it only took 44 of them to do so. DPJ did that on 3 catches, among 3 targets. That was good enough to rank 2nd on the team. Only WR Amari Cooper drew more targets (9) or caught more passes (4). Peoples-Jones made his day with a 76-yard punt return for a TD, though, saving his fantasy line in any league that credits players for return TDs.

WR Donovan Peoples-Jones led the Browns in targets (11), receptions (6) and receiving yards (60) in Sunday's win over the Panthers. He beat WR Amari Cooper by 5 targets, while RB Kareem Hunt was the only other Cleveland player to catch more than 3 balls or crack 20 receiving yards. Cooper managed just a 3-17 receiving line on his 6 looks. Anthony Schwartz drew the only other 2 targets among WRs.

Browns WR Donovan Peoples-Jones is "already a favorite" of QB Deshaun Watson, insider Albert Breer wrote after attending training camp. That follows last week's report that the front office and coaching staff are "big believers" in DPJ. The 3rd-year wideout appears to be in the driver's seat for a starting job and could deliver nice fantasy value at least when Watson is eligible to play.

Browns beat writer Zac Jackson believes “the chances are high” that the team adds a veteran WR. No available player would impact Amari Cooper’s role. But we could see competition for the young guys behind him: Donovan Peoples-Jones, David Bell and Anthony Schwartz. Will Fuller, Julio Jones and T.Y. Hilton are some of the big-name WRs still available. Odell Beckham (ACL) is worth a mention, too, but Jackson doesn’t believe a reunion is likely.