Josh Gordon Will Be Fantasy Stud in Return from Suspension vs. Falcons

The moment fantasy owners everywhere have been waiting for is finally here. Josh Gordon, who led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards last year, will make his 2014 debut against Atlanta in Week 12. It's hard to imagine a better matchup for the controversial wide receiver to find instant success. 

There are concerns to be mindful of with Gordon after sitting out the first 10 games of this season due to suspension. All that time off could lead to some rust or timing issues with quarterback Brian Hoyer, who is only completing 55.7 percent of his passes this season. 

Browns head coach Mike Pettine told reporters on Monday that the plan is to ease Gordon back into Cleveland's offense, via Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer:

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We have to understand the circumstances. He's a player that's been out, hasn't had contact, hasn't played in a game in I think it's 75, 80 days, whatever the count is. That's a lot of time. So, we're going to be very smart in how we approach it. It was good to see him back today – smile on his face and be truly among his teammates. He's kind of been here, but hasn't been here. That was good to see today.

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Even though these are slightly different circumstances, Gordon hasn't had problems performing after being absent. He was suspended for the first two games of last season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, only to have the best single season by a wide receiver in franchise history. 

Two games is nothing compared to 10 games, though Gordon also has the luxury of youth on his side. He's only 23 years old and should be getting better. Another reason for immediate optimism is the lack of a distraction in the locker room, per Pat McManamon of ESPN.com.

"Gordon has created problems with his off-field behavior," McManamon wrote, "but he’s not a problem for his team as long as he stays on the field. Gordon gets along with teammates, does not do a lot to draw attention to himself and plays hard on Sundays."

No one can deny the results Gordon has put up when he's on the field. Case in point, as McManamon also noted, is what Gordon did in his first game back after last year's suspension:

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If history is any indicator, and if Gordon is in football shape, expect him to produce against the Falcons. Gordon came off a two-game suspension a year ago in Minnesota with vigor. In a win over the Vikings, Gordon had 10 receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown, and a run for 22 yards. That game catapulted him to a historic season for the Browns.

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While there isn't enough time for Gordon to have another historic season for the Browns, he's got everything lined up to have a brilliant performance. 

The Falcons may be leading the NFC South, but that's a product of how terrible the division is instead of anything they are doing. All four of their wins this season have come against division opponents; they are 0-6 against everyone else and have allowed 28.8 points per game in those losses. 

Bob Leverone/Associated Press

Overall, Atlanta's pass defense has been catnip for fantasy owners this season. No team allows more passing yards per game (281) or yards per attempt (8.2). One area the Falcons have been good in that could be concerning for Gordon is passing touchdowns allowed, surrendering just 14 in 10 games. 

However, that's offset by the fact Atlanta is tied for last with 13 rushing touchdowns allowed. That may not be of great help for Gordon's owners, but it does show that teams are able to move the ball and put it in the end zone against the Falcons. 

Don't get caught up in Hoyer's struggles as a reason to keep expectations low for Gordon in Week 12. Remember, last year the star receiver put up those gaudy numbers with Jason Campbell and Brandon Weeden as Cleveland's primary quarterbacks. 

Weather won't be an issue because the game is in Atlanta, where the Georgia Dome turf should allow Gordon's explosive speed to play even better than the frigid Cleveland temperatures. All you have to do is sit back and reap the rewards of having one of the NFL's best playmakers back on your fantasy team. 

Stats via ESPN.com.

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