Open Nav
Show Navigation
Show Menu
FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

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.
Premium Content Premium ContentTreVeyon Henderson Dynasty Value: The Most Explosive Risk in Your Rookie Draft

TreVeyon Henderson Dynasty Value: The Most Explosive Risk in Your Rookie Draft

0 seconds

TreVeyon Henderson’s highlight reel screams fantasy stardom — but is he built to handle more than a complementary role?

Read More »
Draft Sharks 2025 Rookie Prospect Guide

Draft Sharks 2025 Rookie Prospect Guide

2 hours ago

Get the info you need on the 2025 rookie class. Rankings, scouting reports, advanced metrics, player comps, and more. April update now includes 100 prospects!

Read More »
Video: Top 10 Rookie RBs to Know for Dynasty

Video: Top 10 Rookie RBs to Know for Dynasty

7 hours ago

Ashton Jeanty leads the rookie RB class. But there's a whole lot more to like. Get to know these guys before they alter the fantasy landscape.

Read More »
Get Instant Access to the Draft War Room & Much MoreWhy Wouldn't You Invest $31 To Win Your League?
Select Billing Option:
Semi-annually
Monthly
Save 60% by paying semi-annually!
Redraft Leagues, Unlimited
$6$16
Per month , billed semi-annually Question

IncludedUnlimited Live-Draft SyncQuestionQuestion
IncludedDraft War RoomQuestionQuestion
IncludedMock Draft TrainerQuestionQuestion
IncludedFree Agent FinderQuestionQuestion
IncludedSit-Start Team GuideQuestionQuestion
IncludedTrade NavigatorQuestionQuestion
Add Personalized Advice
$16$44
Per month , billed semi-annually Question

Get personalized advice all season:
  • Draft questions
  • Lineup decisions
  • Trade and Waiver Wire advice
  • Really, any fantasy football advice you need
Via email... straight from our fantasy analysts to you!
Compare Plans »
THE 2025 ROOKIE GUIDE (V2) IS UPDATED!
100 Prospects • Mock Drafts • Trade Values • Model Scores • Analytics & More