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I was a huge Josh Gordon supporter this offseason. The big-play receiver out of Baylor had an impressive rookie season with the Cleveland Browns. Starting in only 13 games, Gordon caught 50 passes for 805 yards and five touchdowns. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 225 pounds, Gordon has ideal size for a receiver. Also, Gordon has fantastic speed and leaping ability and has not had issues catching the ball thus far.
His size and elite athletic ability have made him one of the best deep-threat receivers in the league.
I ended up drafting Gordon on a ton of fantasy teams this season. His value was simply incredible, as I was selecting him as late as the 10th round. The reason Gordon slipped so far in many drafts was his two-game suspension to start the season, which he received for violating the NFL substance abuse policy.
Fantasy owners who took a chance on Gordon were rewarded for their patience last week when the Cleveland receiver hauled in 10 receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown. He looked incredible. His big-play ability is as dangerous as ever, and he seems to be much better on short-to-mid level routes. Even with Brian Hoyer throwing him passes, the Minnesota Vikings could not stop Gordon.
With the Browns trading Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts last week, Gordon is the most obvious option to be the focal point of the offense. He is the most talented player on the offense and will surely receive a ton of targets every week. Also, with the Browns seemingly being one of the worst teams in the NFL, garbage time points seem likely for Gordon.
This week, Gordon and the Browns have a tough matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, who are one week removed from giving Aaron Rodgers and the powerful Green Bay Packers offense all they can handle. The Bengals are a great defensive team, and I could see the Browns really having a tough time offensively.
That being said, they do not have an elite shutdown corner, so it is certainly possible for Gordon to get deep for a touchdown.
After what I saw last week, there is no way that I can bench Gordon. His talent and potential is through the roof, and with the amount of targets that he will likely be seeing, he has a great chance to put up great numbers week after week.
I am starting Gordon every week, regardless of matchup, until he proves me wrong. I am a believer.
Daniel is a writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @D_Schmelzer, “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.
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