Cleveland Browns DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) suffered a setback in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, according to general manager Andrew Berry. The development will delay Watson's ultimate recovery, but Berry couldn't specify what his timetable looked like. This setback is tough news for Watson, who has missed a whopping 49 games over the last four seasons due to suspensions and injuries. In fact, he hasn't played more than half the games in his schedule since 2020, which was his final campaign as the Houston Texans' starting quarterback. Amidst the injuries and suspensions, Watson has demonstrated poor performance, too. He had 1,148 passing yards, six touchdowns, and six turnovers through seven games before tearing his Achilles tendon this season, prompting fans to call for his benching. The Browns didn't look much better with a combination of Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Bailey Zappe, and Cleveland ultimately restructured Watson's contract to imply that he'll remain on the roster in 2025. He'll likely face the most competition of his career, though. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport previously reported that the Browns might look to bring in a veteran like Kirk Cousins or Aaron Rodgers, and they've also been linked to several top quarterback prospects after securing the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Even once he recovers from his injury, Watson's job is far from guaranteed, and his fantasy value is continuing to decline. Most fantasy managers in dynasty leagues will be forced to hold him, though, as it would be tough to find a trade partner who wants to take on an injured, struggling quarterback whose team is actively searching for his replacement.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco completed 23 of his 40 pass attempts for 264 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in overtime. His touchdown pass was a 40-yard completion to Alec Pierce in the first quarter. The 39-year-old was one of the more productive and most utilized backup quarterbacks in the NFL this season, racking up 1,761 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 11 turnovers through eight games. Flacco's future beyond the 2024 campaign remains undecided, but if he does choose to return for another year, he'll be an intriguing backup option in free agency. He could return to the Colts as the No. 2 option behind Anthony Richardson, but he'd likely generate interest from several other teams, too.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco wasted no time in getting the team on the board on Sunday, completing his first three passes of the game with the third being a 40-yard touchdown pass to Alec Pierce. The 39-year-old would go on to complete 23-of-40 passes for 264 yards, with just the one touchdown pass and no interceptions in the 26-23 overtime win over the Jaguars. Jonathan Taylor again did most of the heavy lifting, logging a whopping 34 carries for 177 yards and a TD. The veteran certainly made the Colt receivers relevant for the last few games, including Josh Downs -- who had been somewhat quiet the last four weeks -- busting out for 10 receptions and 94 yards on Sunday. Flacco has said he wants to play in 2025, and despite some turnover issues he can still sling it, so he'll likely be somewhat fantasy-relevant at some point next season once he's thrust into action.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee will start against the New York Giants in Week 18 despite Kenny Pickett (ribs) being active, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Pickett and Ian Book will handle depth roles for the Eagles on Sunday, though it's unclear which quarterback is the backup and which is the third-string. McKee got his first taste of NFL action last weekend, coming off the bench to throw three completions for 54 yards and two touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys. Philadelphia fed Saquon Barkley and Kenneth Gainwell in that contest, but they might let McKee throw a little more this weekend with Barkley (coach's decision) inactive. Of course, A.J. Brown (coach's decision) and DeVonta Smith (coach's decision) are also resting, leaving Dallas Goedert, Jahan Dotson, and Johnny Wilson as McKee's top targets. The second-year signal-caller out of Stanford ranks as a mid-range QB3 for fantasy purposes.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 18 matchup against the New York Giants. Pickett suffered a ribs injury in relief of Jalen Hurts (concussion) in Week 16. Pickett received the start last week, but only made it through three quarters before exiting due to his ribs issue. Pickett hasn't practiced this week and won't suit up for the regular season finale. That means, Tanner McKee will be under center with a majority of the Eagles backups playing on Sunday.