Fantasy football projections, Week 4: Browns-Washington featuring Terrelle Pryor, Gary Barnidge, Kirk Cousins, more

The Week 4 matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Washington features two teams looking to stay competitive despite their struggles. We've got the fantasy projections courtesy of numberFire.

Cleveland Browns

With just seconds remaining in the game, the Browns almost stole a road win from the Miami Dolphins in Week 3. Unfortunately, kicker Cody Parkey missed a game-winning field goal attempt and his team lost in overtime. The one bright spot in the game for Cleveland was wide receiver Terrelle Pryor, Sr. Pryor caught eight passes for 144 yards against the Dolphins and he even filled in for a few snaps at quarterback.

It’s clear his transition from starting quarterback to wide receiver is officially complete. Pryor is a hot waiver wire pickup on his way to Washington to face a defense that has given up the fourth most points to wide receivers in the NFL. Expect Pryor to be busy in Week 4 with Josh Gordon still a week away from returning from suspension.

Now that Pryor isn’t a secret anymore, perhaps tight end Gary Barnidge will find himself some wiggle room in Washington. After putting together a Pro Bowl campaign last year, Barnidge has just nine catches for 103 yards and no touchdowns through three games this year.

Barnidge did get into the end zone in Miami on a successful two-point conversion attempt, but Cleveland is a mess at the quarterback position. Even with Cody Kessler starting at the moment, perhaps Barnidge can build on his improved performance in Miami as the team heads to the nation’s capital.

Washington

Considering Cleveland is currently allowing more than 294 passing yards per game to opponents so far this season, Washington’s Kirk Cousins could be in for his third 300-yard passing game of the season in Week 4. He did just enough to get his team passed the rival New York Giants in Week 3, tossing for 296 yards and two touchdowns.

With a 1-2 record, there’s still no telling whether Cousins will earn himself a long-term contract at the end of the season. For now, he’s earned the right to start for fantasy owners in deeper leagues against a Cleveland defense that is not nearly as stout as it used to be.

One thing Washington’s starting passer does have going for him is an emerging chemistry with wide receiver Jamison Crowder. He has 16 catches for 175 yards and two touchdowns on 26 targets this year. Most of that production has come in the last two weeks.

Crowder will look to score for the third straight game against Cleveland, which should earn him waiver wire adds in droves going into Week 5. Focusing on what’s ahead in Week 4, don’t be surprised if Crowder hits pay dirt against a mediocre Browns pass defense on Sunday.