The Cleveland Browns Ongoing Quarterback Saga and Fantasy Football Impact

2025 Fantasy Football Outlook: Cleveland Browns Quarterback Carousel

The Browns quarterback saga has become a running joke around the league. That infamous fan jersey with all the scratched-out names? Add another patch — Joe Flacco’s name fits right in. With Shedeur Sanders sidelined by injury and the Browns still searching for stability under center, the big question looms: Will Cleveland find a quarterback worth trusting in fantasy or betting markets this season?

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Joe Flacco: The Veteran Placeholder

At 40, Flacco isn’t a fantasy savior. He’ll almost certainly start Week 1 simply because he knows the system and provides a steady (albeit limited) veteran presence.

• Fantasy Impact: Flacco is draftable only in superflex or two-quarterback leagues, where bodies at QB are scarce. In standard formats, he’s waiver wire filler at best.

• Upside & Risks: He’ll have games where he puts up decent numbers, especially when leaning on David Njoku. But his immobility means one disastrous blow-up game is always lurking when the offensive line crumbles.

• Betting Angle: Sportsbooks project Flacco’s season totals around 3,000 passing yards and sub-20 touchdowns, which is near the bottom tier among starters.

Verdict: Fantasy managers should avoid Flacco unless desperate. Bettors should lean toward unders on season-long passing props.

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Shedeur Sanders: The Future… But When?

Sanders flashed intriguing potential in preseason before his injury. The Browns clearly want him to be their long-term answer, but rushing him back could prove costly.

• Fantasy Value: Sanders is a stash candidate in dynasty formats and a late-round dart throw in superflex redrafts.

• Role in 2025: The Browns may eventually hand him the reins midseason if they fall out of contention, making him a speculative play.

• Betting Angle: Rookie quarterbacks rarely cash award futures on losing teams, but Sanders has long odds for Offensive Rookie of the Year worth monitoring if he gets significant starts.

Verdict: Sanders is not draftable in standard formats but could emerge as a fantasy streamer late in the year.

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The Supporting Cast

Running Backs: Jerome Ford, Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson

• Ford: Offers bye-week filler appeal but lacks RB1 upside.

• Judkins: Draft stock plummeted amid off-field concerns and uncertainty. A “wait-and-see” play at best.

• Sampson: A deep dart throw with little current value.

Betting Angle: Cleveland’s rushing props are among the lowest in the AFC North. Ford could cash in on touchdown props in short-yardage spots, but no Browns RB projects as a top-20 finisher.

Wide Receivers: Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, Deonte Johnson

• Jeudy: Surprised last year in Cleveland, establishing himself as the WR1, but he’s overdrafted as a Round 5 pick.

• Tillman: A late-round sleeper who could carve out a bigger role.

• Johnson: A name brand without production — not worth a pick outside the deepest leagues.

Betting Angle: Browns receivers have long odds on yardage leaders. Jeudy props (850–900 yards) may be inflated relative to his volatility.

Tight End: David Njoku

• Njoku: The most reliable fantasy option on the roster. Ranked TE7–TE8 range, and Flacco historically peppers tight ends with targets.

Betting Angle: Njoku is the safest prop bet — his reception total overs may hold sneaky value if Flacco starts the majority of the season.

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Betting & Fantasy Takeaways

• Quarterbacks: Flacco is a placeholder. Sanders is the long-term play but unproven. Neither should be relied on outside of superflex leagues.

• Running Backs: Ford is usable in deep formats, but the committee approach limits upside.

• Receivers: Jeudy is overdrafted, Tillman is a sleeper, and Johnson is a fade.

• Tight Ends: Njoku is the lone fantasy starter with real upside.

Betting Market Lean: Fade Browns QB and RB season-long props. If you’re looking for value, target Njoku’s overs or sprinkle Sanders in Offensive Rookie of the Year futures at long odds.

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Final Word

The Browns’ quarterback situation is, once again, a fantasy headache and a betting fade. Flacco keeps the offense afloat but uninspiring, Sanders is intriguing but raw, and the rest of the roster offers little stability. The only Browns player worth prioritizing in 2025 fantasy drafts is Njoku — everyone else is a matchup-dependent play or late-round dart throw.

You can read all about what’s going on in the National Football League at SportsGrid.com.