Cleveland Browns DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

On Wednesday, Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity. It's the second straight limited practice for the 25-year-old, dating back to last week after he was tagged with a DNP in five consecutive sessions. Ford hasn't appeared in a game since the team's 20-16 loss to the Eagles, when he participated on just four snaps before sustaining a hamstring injury. However, it appears he's turned a corner in his recovery. The former fifth-round pick will have two more chances to up his practice level before Cleveland hosts the Los Angeles Chargers in their third-straight home matchup. Even if he suits up, the third-year running back is nothing more than a handcuff with Nick Chubb back in the fold. If Ford is out again, running backs D'Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. will continue to work as a change-of-pace option behind Chubb.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen reported that quarterback Joe Flacco will be the team's starter moving forward. Indianapolis is going all-in on Flacco, who they believe gives them the "best chance to win right now." Steichen also noted they have not given up on second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. Evidently, Indy has finally realized what was immediately apparent when Richardson went down with a hip injury in Week 4 -- the veteran QB is far and away the most competent signal-caller on this squad. The 39-year-old will be a massive boon to all Colts' pass-catchers and should help substantiate the offense overall for the remainder of his tenure as the starter. Among the 225 quarterbacks who have dropped back 250-plus times since the year 2000, Richardson ranks 222nd in completion rate (50%).

The Indianapolis Colts have named veteran quarterback Joe Flacco the starter for the Week 9 game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football. This move comes after the continuous struggles of second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson despite the belief that he would take time to develop as a raw prospect out of the 2023 draft class. Through Richardson's first 10 starts, he has compiled a 5-5 record while completing just 50.2% of his passes for 1,535 yards, seven touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Flacco led the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs in 2023 and has the chance to do the same for Indy in 2024. Flacco has appeared in four games this season, throwing for 716 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception. He is now a must-add fantasy option in two-QB and Superflex leagues. His return to the starting lineup should provide a boost for wideouts Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has been benched, with Joe Flacco taking over as the starter. The veteran quarterback will start Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings, his fourth this season. Richardson has struggled this season, completing only 44.4% of his pass attempts in six games. Many wonder if the team is giving up on the former No. 4 overall pick too quickly. However, fantasy players welcome the change at quarterback. Flacco has been significantly better for the Colts' pass catchers, especially Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. Flacco is a must-add off the waiver wire in single-quarterback and superflex leagues. Meanwhile, Pittman and Downs have WR2 upside with the veteran under center. a

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made all three of his field-goal attempts and added two extra points in a 29-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8. Hopkins hit field goals from 28, 33, and 48 yards out in the upset win over the Ravens. The veteran kicker has now made 13 of his 16 attempts through eight games. With the Cleveland offense looking the best it has all year in Jameis Winston's first start of the season, Hopkins is all of a sudden looking like a viable fantasy option heading into Week 9 against the Los Angeles Chargers.