Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco completed nine of his 10 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown in a 19-17 preseason win over the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday. Flacco got the start and played into the second quarter, finding tight end Harold Fannin Jr. for a 15-yard touchdown midway through the first quarter. Making his only appearance of the preseason, Flacco has already been named the Browns' starting quarterback heading into Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He settles in as a high-end QB3 in fantasy heading into drafts as the Cleveland offense is not expected to be very explosive this season.
Aug 24, 2025 7:04 AM EST
Albert Breer of SI believes Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco will remain the starting signal-caller as long as the team remains competitive. The Browns could theoretically keep four quarterbacks on the roster, with Kenny Pickett (hamstring), Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders behind Flacco. There's still a chance Pickett could be traded away. However, with Sanders and Gabriel both still a work in progress, Flacco might stay atop the depth chart as long as the Browns remain in the playoff conversation. The 40-year-old has thrown for 45,697 yards, 257 touchdowns, and 162 interceptions in 196 regular-season contests throughout his career. While that's a lot of mileage, Breer noted that Flacco still has "juice in his arm." Granted, that won't make him a practical option in single quarterback fantasy setups, although he is worth rostering in deep Superflex formats as long as he remains under center.
Aug 22, 2025 9:59 PM EST
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that quarterback Joe Flacco will make the start in the preseason finale on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams, with the starters expected to go around 25 to 30 plays. Rookie Dillon Gabriel will enter the game after Flacco, followed by rookie fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders third. Kenny Pickett (hamstring) continues to deal with a hamstring injury that he suffered in late July, but he did return to some practice drills this week. The order for this weekend's game suggests that Gabriel remains ahead of Sanders on the team's QB depth chart, but the Browns could keep all four signal-callers on the active 53-man roster heading into Week 1 against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. If Pickett is healthy for the start of the regular season, he's expected to be the backup to Flacco.
Aug 21, 2025 6:10 PM EST
The Cleveland Browns are naming veteran Joe Flacco as their Week 1 starting quarterback against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. This doesn't come as much of a surprise, as this was always expected to be the case, especially after Kenny Pickett suffered a hamstring injury early in training camp. The 40-year-old veteran has been taking most of the first-team reps in practices this summer, although he has not played in either of the team's two preseason games with the rest of the Browns' QB room banged up. Flacco led the Browns to the playoffs two seasons ago, but he's going to be on a short leash in 2025 and will most likely continue to put the football in harm's way often down the field. The Bengals defense was a great matchup last year, so Flacco could have some sleeper appeal in DFS in Week 1 of the season.
Aug 18, 2025 1:26 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco has officially been ruled out for the team's second preseason contest on Saturday against the Carolina Panthers, according to Browns beat writer Noah Monroe. Flacco and Tyler Huntley are the team's only healthy QBs at the moment, with rookies Dillon Gabriel (hamstring) and Shedeur Sanders (oblique) and Kenny Pickett (hamstring) nursing injuries. Deshaun Watson (Achilles) is on the PUP list and isn't expected to play all year. The 40-year-old Flacco is healthy, and the Browns want to keep it that way, especially since he's fully expected to be named the Week 1 starter in time. Gabriel might make the start on Saturday, but either way, Huntley should play the majority of the game against Carolina. Flacco will have limited weapons in his second stint in Cleveland and is a low-end QB2, at best, in superflex fantasy leagues.
Aug 15, 2025 3:19 PM EST
ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi reports that Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco is unlikely to play in the team's second preseason game this Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Browns want to keep the veteran out, even though both rookie Shedeur Sanders (oblique) and Kenny Pickett (hamstring) might not play. Although nothing official has been announced, rookie Dillon Gabriel (hamstring) could make his NFL debut and see extensive run this weekend for the Browns. Flacco was scheduled to take the majority of first-team reps at training camp practice on Wednesday, and he remain the overwhelming favorite to be named the Week 1 starter, especially with Pickett missing over a week of team drills due to a hamstring injury. The 40-year-old gunslinger could have some decent games, but he'll also be injury-prone and on a short leash. Fantasy managers would be better off avoiding the Browns' QB situation.
Aug 13, 2025 6:31 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco took all of the first-team reps during the team's 11-on-11 session on Monday, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. After rookie Shedeur Sanders generated plenty of buzz in his solid preseason debut against the Panthers, it was still the veteran signal caller who dominated reps, which limited Sanders and Dillon Gabriel to alternating reps with the second and third teams. It is almost assuredly Flacco's job to lose at this stage in training camp, and that is a positive for Cleveland's pass catchers. There should be plenty of pass volume as the Browns are expected to trail in games a good amount of the time. Flacco doesn't scramble and does well enough in avoiding sacks to support a functional pass-catching group.
Aug 12, 2025 12:54 AM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco will not play in the team's preseason opener on Friday against the Carolina Panthers, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Injured QBs Kenny Pickett (hamstring) and Dillon Gabriel (hamstring) also will not play, leaving fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders to get the start despite the fact that he hasn't taken a single rep with the first-team offense during training camp. Tyler Huntley, who was signed on Tuesday, will back up Sanders on Friday night. The 40-year-old Flacco is a strong favorite to win the QB competition this summer, especially since Pickett hasn't been able to participate in team drills of late. Flacco made some noise in 2023 and helped lead the Browns to the playoffs, but the veteran gunslinger will have a short leash as the starter and will have little fantasy upside as a low-end QB2.
Aug 5, 2025 6:22 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett (hamstring) is doing everything he can to get back to full speed but also acknowledged he's losing ground in the QB competition with veteran Joe Flacco, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic. Flacco's two best throwing days at training camp have been on Friday and Saturday, and he's "gone from presumed favorite to strong favorite." There's still a lot to be settled with Flacco and Pickett and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, but as things currently stand, it would be a surprise if Flacco wasn't starting under center in Week 1. Neither Gabriel nor Sanders never had a realistic shot to win the QB competition this summer. For fantasy purposes, nobody should be putting their faith in the 40-year-old Flacco in 2025, especially since he'll likely be on a short leash.
Aug 3, 2025 1:35 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett (hamstring) was back at training camp practice on Friday, but The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Dan Labbe reports that veteran Joe Flacco saw most of the first-team work. Pickett went through individual drills but was a spectator when the team broke off for team work. The 40-year-old Flacco is expected to win the starting QB duties heading into the 2025 season, but the QB competition is far from settled between Flacco and Pickett. Once Pickett is further from his hamstring injury, we'd expect him to continue rotating with Flacco with the first-team offense. Meanwhile, rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders will continue to work as backups as they try to prove to the front office and coaching staff that they belong in the team's plans in the future. Cleveland's QB situation should be ignored by fantasy managers.
Aug 1, 2025 5:12 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett have been splitting up the first-team reps early in training camp. Pickett got the first chance as the starter on Wednesday and then Flacco took over on Thursday. It's worth noting that Flacco got the first reps for 11-on-11 drills on Friday. It appears that the starting job for Week 1 is between these two right now. Dillon Gabriel also got a few first team reps, but seems like a long shot for the starting role. The Browns have said they plan to give all four of their quarterbacks starting reps throughout the summer. This is going to be a situation to monitor throughout training camp. Whoever wins the starting gig could have low-end streaming appeal, but probably won't be a great option given the lack of talent in Cleveland.
Jul 25, 2025 6:16 PM EST
While the Cleveland Browns haven't made any announcements on their quarterback competition, The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that 18-year veteran Joe Flacco should be well ahead of rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, and he's also probably ahead of Kenny Pickett. Flacco throws the ball better than the others in a practice setting, and his overall experience makes him the clear favorite to win the job. It's possible that Pickett will outplay Flacco in the coming months, though. Flacco and Pickett alternated turns with the No. 1 offense in practice at OTAs on Wednesday, with Gabriel out-repping Sanders in the second OTA practice. Jackson thinks it's almost a certainty that the QB battle is between Flacco and Pickett. Although Flacco had a nice little run with Cleveland at the end of 2023, he'll be a low-end QB2 option in two-QB fantasy leagues if he wins the starting gig over Pickett this year.
May 30, 2025 10:54 PM EST
According to Zac Jackson of The Athletic, Kenny Pickett or Joe Flacco could be traded this summer, depending on how things go with the Cleveland Browns quarterback competition during the offseason. Cleveland notably selected Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel in Round 3 and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in Round 5 of the 2025 NFL Draft. While Deshaun Watson (Achilles) is not likely to be a factor in 2025, the additions of the rookies create a crowded position room. Jackson noted that Pickett's has $2.63 million that his "essentially" guaranteed by Cleveland, which could suggest Flacco is more likely to be dealt. The Browns are likely looking at picking a first-round quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, so seeing what Gabriel and Sanders can do is a top priority rather than winning a few more games with one of the established veterans.
May 7, 2025 2:57 PM EST
The Cleveland Browns have signed free-agent quarterback Joe Flacco on Friday. They've agreed on a one-year, $4 million contract, including incentives that could earn up to $13 million for the upcoming season. The 40-year-old threw for 1,761 passing yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions with the Indianapolis Colts last season. Before that, Flacco went 4-1 with the Browns while throwing for 1,616 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions during the 2023 campaign. The Browns already have Kenny Pickett and the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. That being said, it's unclear where Flacco is going to fall on the depth chart once the season begins. For now, Flacco is looked upon as a veteran presence who might still have a little bit left in the tank on the football field.
Apr 11, 2025 10:18 AM EST
ESPN's Field Yates reports that the New York Giants hosted free-agent quarterback Joe Flacco at their facilities on Thursday. Flacco started six games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2024, compiling 1,761 yards and a 12:7 TD:INT ratio in eight total appearances. The news comes as New York also plans to host QB Russell Wilson on Friday. With Tommy DeVito as the only signal-caller on the roster, the Giants are casting a wide net in search of their next quarterback, and Aaron Rodgers is also linked to the team. New York is in an interesting situation, considering they hold the third pick in this year's draft and could also select a field general there. The Giants require a few more pieces than just a QB to become competitive, though. Still, they are doing their due diligence, exploring every potential avenue to improve their roster from a season ago.
Mar 13, 2025 7:18 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco completed 23 of his 40 pass attempts for 264 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in overtime. His touchdown pass was a 40-yard completion to Alec Pierce in the first quarter. The 39-year-old was one of the more productive and most utilized backup quarterbacks in the NFL this season, racking up 1,761 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 11 turnovers through eight games. Flacco's future beyond the 2024 campaign remains undecided, but if he does choose to return for another year, he'll be an intriguing backup option in free agency. He could return to the Colts as the No. 2 option behind Anthony Richardson, but he'd likely generate interest from several other teams, too.
Jan 5, 2025 9:11 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco wasted no time in getting the team on the board on Sunday, completing his first three passes of the game with the third being a 40-yard touchdown pass to Alec Pierce. The 39-year-old would go on to complete 23-of-40 passes for 264 yards, with just the one touchdown pass and no interceptions in the 26-23 overtime win over the Jaguars. Jonathan Taylor again did most of the heavy lifting, logging a whopping 34 carries for 177 yards and a TD. The veteran certainly made the Colt receivers relevant for the last few games, including Josh Downs -- who had been somewhat quiet the last four weeks -- busting out for 10 receptions and 94 yards on Sunday. Flacco has said he wants to play in 2025, and despite some turnover issues he can still sling it, so he'll likely be somewhat fantasy-relevant at some point next season once he's thrust into action.
Jan 5, 2025 7:35 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco will draw the start on Sunday with Anthony Richardson (back) ruled out. The 39-year-old started last week for the injured Richardson, throwing for 330 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions on 26-of-38 passing. The performance resulted in two Colt receivers with 100-plus yards receiving in the same game for the first time all season. Sunday's matchup is almost as good as it gets, with Indy taking on Jacksonville, the second-most fantasy-friendly defense for opposing quarterbacks. The veteran QB lit them up earlier this season, throwing for 359 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions on 33-of-44 passing. The Colts are four-point favorites in this one but the two teams combined for 71 points the last time around, so it may not be so fruitful in this game that has a 43.5 over/under. Nevertheless, Flacco looks more like a high-end QB2 in Week 18 rather than a low-end one.
Jan 3, 2025 9:37 PM EST
According to Mike Chappell of FOX 59, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Shane Steichen said Richardson "didn't make enough progress this week." The former fourth-overall selection sat out last weekend with this same injury and could not practice all week. Through his sophomore campaign, the Florida product appeared in 11 games and missed time with other injuries and due to being benched. Across this span, he averaged an underwhelming 164.9 passing yards per game with 45.4 rushing yards per game. He tallied 14 total touchdowns while averaging 19.0 PPR points per game. As a result, veteran Joe Flacco will be given the starting nod in the final game of the regular season. He is a viable high-end QB2 facing a Jaguars defense that has allowed the fourth-most PPR points to opposing QBs this season.
Jan 3, 2025 1:14 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco completed 26 of 38 pass attempts for 330 yards and two touchdowns, but was responsible for three turnovers -- two interceptions and a lost fumble. The 39-year-old's 68.4% completion rate breathed some life into what has been an underwhelming passing attack, producing two 100-yard receivers in the same game for the first time all season for the Colts. However, Indy was playing from behind all game and Flacco likely had to throw more than they expected or wanted him to. Nevertheless, with Indianapolis eliminated from playoff contention, the Colts may not want to run Anthony Richardson (back, foot) out there for the final game in Week 18. If Flacco draws another start, it will be in a favorable home matchup versus the 4-12 Jaguars, the same team the veteran put up big numbers against earlier this season.
Dec 29, 2024 5:59 PM EST
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