Courtesy: CBS Sports
Well the day that Cleveland Browns fans have prayed for has finally arrived. After a long and drawn out process that initially saw wide receiver Josh Gordon’s suspension last for an entire season has been repealed. The controversial pot-smoking wide out had his ban reduced to the first 10 games of the 2014 season.
As a fantasy football player, you could not have expected this; but should have been prepared. About a week ago, the original report was released that the NFL and NFLPA were working on a new drug policy, which in turn would have an effect on over 20 players facing substance abuse punishment. If you were one of the smart ones, you picked up Josh Gordon that day. If you were one of the lucky ones, you still had a chance to nab the 2013 receiving leader at some point this week, while the powers that be were discussing the new deal.
If you have a large horseshoe up your butt, Josh Gordon is still available after the most recent breaking news.
And if so, clear a roster spot and grab him. He is a difference maker; he is a fantasy stud. He has an overly ideal combination of size (6’3″) and speed (sub 4.4 40 time) that just explodes onto the field. He is virtually unstoppable, while having the privilege of facing some lackluster pass defenses including the Falcons, Bengals and Ravens after his return.
Gordon had 10 double digit fantasy outputs last season, in standard scoring leagues. Add in another two more games if you play in a PPR league. All of which in only 14 games, since he served a two game suspension to start the suspension for you guessed it…smoking pot. Yet, he was the model of consistency, while also putting together some single-game outputs that all but guaranteed victory for your fantasy team that given week.
Courtesy: ABC News
He surpassed the 125 yard mark in seven games last year; all of which he also pulled down a at least one touchdown. In his most dominant performance, he racked up 261 yards on 14 catches with two touchdowns against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Browns Week 13 loss (that’s right they still lost that game). That’s 38 points out of a wide receiver!
This is a player that averaged almost 19 yards per catch last season; averaged 17 yards on his five carries throughout the year. Oh by the way, had the likes of Jason Campbell and Brandon Weeden slinging him the ball at quarterback. Imagine what he would have accomplished if he played with an established QB; or just imagine what his output would have been if Brian Hoyer remained healthy.
So if you already have Josh Gordon, hold onto him; don’t get an itchy waiver wire finger. If he is still available, clear a roster spot and sign him up. If he was already picked up, make an offer; it should only cost you a bench RB or WR for his services, since he will only be available for seven games.
But those seven games will be crunch time in your fantasy league and he should be hitting his stride right around the same time you are in your first playoff match up.
