Who Should I Start? Joe Flacco or Matthew Stafford

Monday, August 18, 1:26 PM

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.

Tuesday, August 19, 1:30 PM

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) is practicing again on Tuesday, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. Stafford practiced for the first time at training camp this summer on Monday after recovering from an aggravated disc in his back. The 37-year-old was extremely limited and made only around 20 throws on Monday as the Rams ease him back in. Head coach Sean McVay said Stafford's workload is "a very fluid situation and demands flexibility." He almost certainly won't play in the preseason finale this Saturday against the Cleveland Browns, but the plan is to have him "upright" for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 7 against the Houston Texans. The Rams have been optimistic all along that Stafford will be ready for Week 1, although it sounds like he may not be 100%, making him an even riskier low-end QB2 selection in superflex fantasy leagues.