Draft prep: No Brown-out in Cleveland in '08

Editor's note: This is a series of 10 predictions of things that will happen in 2008 Fantasy Football leagues according to Senior Fantasy Writer Jamey Eisenberg

The Browns have had a rough offseason.

It started with Kellen Winslow upset with his contract, and there were concerns about his knee. Joe Jurevicius had several knee surgeries and could miss the season. Donte Stallworth stepped on Braylon Edwards' foot, and Edwards needed stitches and two weeks to recover. And then Derek Anderson got a concussion in the second preseason game against the Giants.

Braylon Edwards could easily be the league's most productive receiver in 2008. (US Presswire)

Oh yeah, and the Browns paid Jamal Lewis. More on that later.

The Browns turned into an offensive juggernaut last year with Anderson, Edwards and Winslow having coming-out parties, and Lewis looking rejuvenated in his first year in Cleveland. By adding Stallworth this offseason, the offense should continue to shine.

The Browns have become a new home for many Fantasy owners since Anderson, Edwards, Winslow and Lewis are starting options, and Stallworth is a key reserve. The Browns have the right elements you look for in an offense, with an innovative coordinator in Rob Chudzinski and an excellent offensive line. But some Fantasy owners are skeptical if the Browns can repeat their offensive dominance in 2008. The answer is yes -- with the exception of Lewis.

Anderson will be fine from the concussion and should remain a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback if not a Top 5 option. He passed for 3,787 yards, 29 touchdowns and 19 interceptions last year and also ran for a touchdown in his first season as a starter.

With the weapons around him, Anderson should shine. He also has the motivation to live up to last year's performance and solidify himself as the quarterback of the future with Brady Quinn waiting patiently for the job. You can draft Anderson in Round 3 in all leagues and count on another great year.

The reason for Anderson's success is Edwards and Winslow could become the best players at their respective positions. Last year, Edwards stepped up in his third season with 80 catches for 1,289 yards and 16 touchdowns, all career highs.

In a standard-scoring Fantasy league, Edwards was the No. 2 receiver behind Randy Moss. Edwards' foot should be fine for the start of the season, which means he should be drafted as a Top 3 option in all formats, right behind Moss and Terrell Owens. But don't be surprised if Edwards passes those guys and finishes at No. 1 by season's end.

Winslow also is a Top 3 option with the chance to pass Jason Witten and Antonio Gates this year. Winslow finished fourth in standard-scoring leagues behind Witten, Gates and Tony Gonzalez last year, but it was close with Winslow catching 82 passes for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns. Those stats will increase this year.

Will Jamal Lewis remain motivated after signing a long-term deal this offseason? (US Presswire)

The addition of veteran Stallworth should improve the passing game as well. He struggled in New England last year with only 46 catches for 697 yards and three touchdowns and was outplayed by Moss, Wes Welker and No. 4 receiver, Jabar Gaffney. Stallworth should be better with the Browns and could return to how he played with New Orleans in 2005 when he caught 70 passes for 945 yard and seven touchdowns. Stallworth is worth drafting as a No. 4 Fantasy option.

Cleveland's passing game will likely carry the offense since Lewis could struggle. Last year, Lewis was outstanding with 1,304 rushing yards and nine touchdowns and 30 catches for 248 yards and two touchdowns.

It was Lewis' best year since 2003, and he was motivated to earn a new contract after playing on a one-year deal. But now that he has a three-year deal and will be 29 when the season starts, those minor aches and pains could go from one week injuries to three weeks.

Last year, Lewis fought through a foot injury, which kept him out one week. He has a hamstring injury in training camp now, so we'll see how long that lingers. It could be a good indication as to whether or not he should be considered an injury risk this season.

But there's a risk involved with giving aging running backs long-term contracts. It's why most NFL teams shy away from doing it, and recent examples of aging running backs breaking down after receiving long-term deals are Shaun Alexander in 2006 and Ahman Green last year.

You should still draft Lewis as a No. 2 Fantasy option because he will excel for several weeks. But don't reach for him before the third round. And if you're looking for a late-round sleeper, take a chance on Lewis' backup, Jason Wright.

The Browns are going to score points in 2008. Make sure you draft the right players from their offense to help your Fantasy team this year.

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