Joe Flacco, Browns starters could rest Week 18
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco and other starters could be rested in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals, per head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Stefanski said the Browns are “working through” the possibility of letting some starters rest this week after they locked into the No. 5 seed in the AFC. Flacco, who turns 39 later this month, is an obvious candidate to be limited or held out in Week 18. Amari Cooper (heel), Elijah Moore (concussion), David Njoku, Jerome Ford, and Kareem Hunt are other rest candidates this week. They would also all take a hit if Flacco is replaced by PJ Walker or Jeff Driskel.
Per numberFire's opponent-adjusted efficiency metrics for the season, the Bengals have the No. 27 total defense and No. 27 pass defense in the NFL, so the Browns' backups will have a plus matchup if called upon. Among the 36 quarterbacks with at least 200 dropbacks, Flacco ranks 18th in Passing Net Expected Points per attempt.
- Broncos acquire Zach Wilson via pick swap trade with Jets April 22nd, 2024
- Former Falcons QB Matt Ryan hangs up cleats April 22nd, 2024
- J.K. Dobbins plans to sign 1-year deal with Chargers April 17th, 2024
- Cowboys sign running back Royce Freeman to 1-year deal April 16th, 2024
- Bills trade Stefon Diggs to Texans April 4th, 2024
- Raheem Mostert sticks with Miami on new 2-year deal March 31st, 2024
- D'Onta Foreman signing with Cleveland March 20th, 2024
- Browns sign wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to 3-year extension March 19th, 2024
- Jameis Winston to join Browns with 1-year contract March 12th, 2024
- Broncos trade Jerry Jeudy to Browns for two late-round picks March 9th, 2024
- Amari Cooper (rest/heel) officially available for Browns in Wild Card January 12th, 2024
- Kareem Hunt (groin) cleared for Browns' Wild Card Game January 11th, 2024