Aug 27, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (11) catches the ball during warm ups before the game against the Chicago Bears at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns
Donavan Peoples Jones: 11% Owned
DPJ has quietly impressed over the last month of the season, where the 23-year-old has averaged 6.7 targets and 66.5 yards per game. The Browns host the Bengals in a Monday Night showdown Week 8, in what projects to be a high scoring game.
Peoples-Jones was tied as the leader in targets last week against the Ravens. He regularly separated from Baltimore defenders as coverage seemed to tilt toward Amari Cooper. His Week 7 outing marks the third time in four games Peoples-Jones has eclipsed 70 receiving yards.
Brown Tight End David Njoku (ankle) is almost certain to miss this game, suggesting a bigger role for DPJ. Njoku has been one of fantasy’s pleasant surprises this year. Since Week 3, the former first-rounder has averaged 6 catches and 76 yards per game. He ranks second amongst TE’s is both of those categories.
Njoku’s absence frees up a surplus of targets for all Browns pass catchers and People-Jones, who has played 85% of Cleveland’s snaps, figures to be the biggest beneficiary.
He’s a flex play in Week 8.
