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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.
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