Open Nav
Players
    Articles
      Shark Bites
        Show Navigation
        Show Menu
        FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

        Browns to Start Bailey Zappe

        By Matt Schauf | Updated on Thu, Jan 2 2025 8:53 PM UTC
        Bailey Zappe Headshot

        The Browns will start QB Bailey Zappe for Saturday's finale against the Ravens, according to multiple reports. That doesn't necessarily mean we won't see Dorian Thompson-Robinson, though.

        What They're Saying

        Mike Garafolo: "Kevin Stefanski said both Zappe and DTR could play for the Browns on Saturday and that sounds like it’s still the plan but Zappe gets the ball first."

        2024 Fantasy Football Impact

        Zappe's a passing upgrade over DTR. He has averaged 201.4 yards per game across eight pro starts, at 65.4% completions, 7.1 yards per attempt, and a 3.9% TD rate.

        Thompson-Robinson's numbers across five pro starts:

        • 149.4 yards per game
        • 53.4% completions
        • 3.95 yards per attempt
        • 0.5% TD rate

        Of course, we have no way to know how much the Browns will work in the second-year QB that they just can't seem to quit.

        It's also worth noting that Jameis Winston is questionable for this game, though he appears on track to be just the emergency third QB (officially inactive).

        If the Browns make Winston active for the game, that could further muddy the plan.

        No Cleveland QB should be in your fantasy plans, especially against a Baltimore defense that has held six straight opponents to 202 passing yards or less.

        Other Winners & Losers

        All that said, we did give Browns pass-catchers a little boost in the Week 18 projections -- thanks to Zappe's better passing record.

        Rankings Movement

        WR Jerry Jeudy climbs back into WR3 territory. WR Elijah Moore still looks like a WR5, though.

        There's no one else to like among the remains of that offense.

        Matt Schauf Author Image
        Matt Schauf, Editor
        Matt has earned two Fantasy Pros accuracy awards for IDP rankings and won thousands of dollars as a player across best ball, dynasty, and high-stakes fantasy formats. He has been creating fantasy football content for more than 20 years, with work featured by Sporting News, Rotoworld, Athlon, Sirius XM, and others. He's been with Draft Sharks since 2011.
        Fantasy Football Draft Guide: 12-Team PPR Draft Strategy

        Fantasy Football Draft Guide: 12-Team PPR Draft Strategy

        0 seconds

        Ready to crush your fantasy football draft? This strategy guide takes you pick-by-pick through a perfect 12-team PPR draft, arming you with expert insights and battle-tested tactics. We'll also point out the critical mistakes you can’t afford to make.

        Read More »
        12-Team Non PPR Draft Strategy

        12-Team Non PPR Draft Strategy

        0 seconds

        Non-PPR drafts require a different mindset. Fail to adjust and you'll be playing catch-up all season. This strategy guide walks you through the best picks in every round of your 12-team Non-PPR draft.

        Read More »
        139 Things I Learned Doing 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

        139 Things I Learned Doing 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

        8:04pm UTC 7/14/25

        From Baker Mayfield's bloated TD rate to Brian Thomas' historic rookie season, here are 139 things I learned doing 2025 fantasy football projections.

        Read More »
        Compare Plans » Compare Plans »