The Browns have named QB Joe Flacco their starter to open the season. He beat out Kenny Pickett for the job, while rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders were never serious threats. Flacco’s presence should be a boost for the Browns’ WRs and TEs compared with the alternatives.
What They're Saying
Cleveland Browns: “Joe Cool leading the way. We've named Joe Flacco our starting quarterback.”
2025 Fantasy Football Impact
Flacco being named the starter wasn’t surprising, though Pickett was in contention. The Browns offense is still expected to rank among the league’s worst, but Flacco has shown he can support fantasy WRs.
Last season, Colts WRs averaged 4.83 more fantasy points per game with Flacco than with Anthony Richardson. Two years ago, he started five games for the Browns, throwing for 1,616 yards and 13 TDs.
That should be enough to support the fantasy output for the receiving threats on the team.
He isn’t a fantasy option in 1-QB leagues and remains just a late-round pick in Superflex, though Flacco could be streamable against weak defenses.
Other Winners & Losers
The real winners are the Browns receivers, including TE David Njoku. WRs Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and Diontae Johnson should benefit from Flacco’s experience and short passing preference.
All can be drafted comfortable at their ADPs