Josh Gordon, Brian Hoyer, Andrew Hawkins' Post-Week 12 Fantasy Reaction

Josh Gordon led the NFL in receiving last season despite missing two games, so his return in Week 12 figured to provide a spark for quarterback Brian Hoyer and the Cleveland Browns' passing game.

In the opening half against the Atlanta Falcons, Gordon was already making a considerable impact with four receptions for 70 yards on 10 targets. The All-Pro star wound up seeing 16 targets in a 26-24 victory.    

Name	PASS	YDS	TD/INT	Fantasy Points
Name	REC	YDS	TD	Fantasy Points
Brian Hoyer	23/40	322	0/3	7
Josh Gordon	8	120	0	12
Andrew Hawkins	5	93	0	9

However, Hoyer's perpetual accuracy issues continue to hinder his fantasy value. Gordon's status as the go-to option figures to limit slot wideout Andrew Hawkins' production, but Hawkins caught all of the passes that flew his way.

Hoyer entered Sunday's contest at the Georgia Dome with a 55.7 percent completion rate. That ranked him dead-last among qualified passers, per ESPN.com. He also hinted that Gordon wouldn't fix everything, via Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram:

Some of the inconsistency in Hoyer's passing can be attributed to a rushing attack that has waned over the past month or so. Former NFL star Brian Dawkins felt Gordon's presence would help:

ESPN Insider's Chris Sprow brought up a strong point about Hoyer, though:

The lack of precision is an ongoing concern if Hoyer is meant to establish himself as a viable fantasy commodity and long-term answer under center in Cleveland. Failing to capitalize on great play designs will keep Hoyer as a fantasy QB2—and may result in him being supplanted by Browns backup Johnny Manziel soon enough.

Due to how effective receivers tend to be in the slot within the confines of modern rules, Hawkins is a strong WR2 or flex-caliber option in most fantasy leagues, though his targets will decrease thanks to Gordon's presence.

Based on his big 2014 season debut, it appears Gordon doesn't intend to miss a beat in solidifying his status as a WR1.