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.