A long, long time ago, the Cleveland Browns defense caused a stir in the NFL. Then it became a joke, but now, once again, the Browns’ defensive line is making noise in fantasy, especially in IDP leagues
The leader of this saga is Myles Garrett, reinforced with young players and metrics that make you dream that it is possible. So much so that the team is projected to be one of the defensive sleepers of the year. But is it worth betting your championship on Cleveland’s line?
The anchor of the project: Myles Garrett of the Browns
Garrett is the strong man on defense. With him at the helm, the Browns look robust. That was the case last year and nothing seems to be changing this year.
- In 2024, Cleveland’s defensive line was second in Pass Rush Productivity Rate and top-10 in quarterback pressure
- Now, the arrival of freshman Mason Graham bolsters the interior and could free up even more space for Garrett, who remains among the top 10 DLs for IDP according to the consensus of analysts.
- “If you have Myles Garrett, it’s hard to ignore the potential of the entire defense,” ESPN’s IDP Rankings report notes.
The Browns have a good defensive line
If we look at the numbers, we find things that excite those who understand the value of not letting the opponent into the red zone.
- Pass Rush Productivity Rate (2024): #2 in the NFL
- Goals allowed per game: #6
- Big Plays allowed: 24th (weak point)
- Turnovers generated: Outside the top 10
- 2025 projection: More pressure, more sacks, pending turnovers
Key reinforcements and depth in Cleveland
The arrival of new players will make life easier for Garrett. He will be a “captain” (in quotes, figuratively) who will know how to put order in the defense and turn the brown wall into an impenetrable bulwark.
- Mason Graham (DT, 1st round pick): Disruptive talent who will complement Garrett.
- Greg Newsome II and Denzel Ward (CB): They remain solid in coverage.
- Jerome Baker (LB): Silent reinforcement that can improve run defense.
The secondary remains steady, but the Browns need to turn pressures into interceptions to make a real leap in fantasy quality.
IDP ranking and key projections for 2025
- Defensive Line (DL)
- Myles Garrett (CLE): #8 in IDP consensus (Top 10 assured).
- Sacks projection 2025: 12.5+
- Tackles for loss: 15+
Linebackers (LB)
- Jerome Baker: #44 in IDP rankings, more streaming value than fixed starter.
- Cleveland continues to rotate a lot in the middle zone, which limits the fantasy ceiling.
Defensive Backs (DB)
- Grant Delpit: #17 in the position, with upside in coverage and big plays.
To trust or not to trust Cleveland for fantasy IDP?
The answer is yes, with nuances.
If you play in IDP leagues, Myles Garrett is a must-draft, and the Browns’ defensive line can sustain a solid fantasy strategy. However, the low volume of turnovers limits their ceiling. It’s not yet an elite tier defense, but it can be the X factor in key matchups in your league.
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