Injuries: Jedrick Wills (ankle), JC Tretter (knee), Jack Conklin (knee), Chris Hubbard (kneecap)
Backups: (T): Chris Hubbard, James Hudson (G): Michael Dunn Blake Hance, (C): Nick Harris
Fantasy Impact: The Browns are a stellar example of successfully going all-in on the O-line, and it comes as no surprise to see the team return all five starters after a stellar 2020 campaign. LG Joel Bitonio, C J.C. Tretter, RG Wyatt Teller and RT Jack Conklin are all among the league's best options at their positions, and if LT Jedrick Wills can improve upon an up and down rookie season, this unit could legitimately be without any real weakness among its starters. That is, of course, dependent on health, and injuries haven't been kind to the Browns to begin the season.
Trending: Down
Injuries:
Backups: (T): Brad Seaton, Josh Wells (G): Ryan Jensen, Robert Hainsey (C): Donnell Stanley
Fantasy Impact: Last year's Super Bowl champs made a predictable to return all five starters along the O-line, and also added depth rather than rest on their laurels. Tom Brady will once again enjoy outstanding pass protection in his age-44 season, while Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones stand to benefit from more than solid run blocking. In the event that RT Tristan Wirfs manages to improve upon what was already a spectacular rookie season, this is a unit that could have even further upside.
Trending: Up
Injuries: Ty Nsekhe (illness)
Backups: (T): Brandon Knight, Terrence Steele (G): Connor McGovern (C):
Fantasy Impact: Perennially one of the league's few elite O-line, the Cowboys had to endure a worst-case scenario up front in 2020. Season-ending injuries to both Pro Bowl tackles, Tyron Smith and La'el Collins, proved far too significant to overcome. Losing Dak Prescott and star guard Zack Martin for the year certainly didn't help matters. Now that the unit has returned to full health, as long as things break right, top-five upside could once again be in view.
Trending: Up
Injuries:
Backups: (T): Mike Onwenu, Justin Herron (G): Ted Karras, Alex Redmond (C): James Ferentz
Fantasy Impact: New England is relying on an ascending O-line to pave the way in the post-Brady era, but injuries were a real problem in 2020. As long as all five starters can consistently remain on the field, though, this unit should be a lock for top-five positioning. Rookie first-rounder Mac Jones will continue to benefit from quality protection as long as things pan out right, and in any case, the Patriots can take some comfort knowing they have plenty of future upside up front.
Trending: Up