Cleveland Browns DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made his lone field-goal attempt, a 23-yarder, and added an extra point in a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Although Hopkins finished a tough 2024 season on a high note, he overall made just 18 of his 27 field-goal attempts for the Browns this past season. The veteran kicker still has three years remaining on the contract extension he signed before the season, although it wouldn't be a big surprise to see the Browns bring in some competition in training camp next year. That being said, an offseason release would bring a significant cap hit and dead money for the Browns which makes it likely that Hopkins is back with the team for the 2025 season.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy caught six of his 13 targets for 63 yards in a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Jeudy set a new Cleveland Browns record by snagging his 90th catch of the season in the fourth quarter, breaking Hall of Fame tight end Ozzie Newsome's previous single-season team record of 89. The veteran wideout started off slow in 2024 but came on strong at the midpoint of the season to post career highs in catches and receiving yards. Cleveland is likely to bolster their receiving corps in the offseason but Jeudy did enough to be considered the team's No. 1 receiver heading into the 2025 season.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco will draw the start on Sunday with Anthony Richardson (back) ruled out. The 39-year-old started last week for the injured Richardson, throwing for 330 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions on 26-of-38 passing. The performance resulted in two Colt receivers with 100-plus yards receiving in the same game for the first time all season. Sunday's matchup is almost as good as it gets, with Indy taking on Jacksonville, the second-most fantasy-friendly defense for opposing quarterbacks. The veteran QB lit them up earlier this season, throwing for 359 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions on 33-of-44 passing. The Colts are four-point favorites in this one but the two teams combined for 71 points the last time around, so it may not be so fruitful in this game that has a 43.5 over/under. Nevertheless, Flacco looks more like a high-end QB2 in Week 18 rather than a low-end one.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) did not practice all week but is listed as questionable to play on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants in the Week 18 regular-season finale. The Eagles are locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC postseason picture, so their main priority this weekend is getting their QB room healthy. Starter Jalen Hurts (concussion, finger) will miss his second straight game, so if Pickett is unavailable, the Eagles will be down to third-stringer Tanner McKee. McKee is planning to make the start, so if the 26-year-old Pickett ends up being active on Sunday, it will likely be in a backup role. Fantasy managers still playing for a championship in Week 18 should just avoid Philly's offense as a whole. If Pickett is ruled out, Ian Book would be the backup for McKee.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Cleveland Browns are placing running backs Jerome Ford (ankle) and Pierre Strong Jr. (concussion) and tight end David Njoku (knee) on Injured Reserve, ending their season. All three players were previously ruled out for Sunday's game, and this move opens up additional roster spots for the Browns on Saturday. As a result, fantasy managers should expect D'Onta Foreman and John Kelly to see most of the snaps in the backfield on Saturday afternoon against the Baltimore Ravens. Jordan Akins will likely get the start at tight end. Ford opened the season as the starter with Nick Chubb sidelined and reclaimed that role for the past few weeks when Chubb's season ended due to a foot fracture. Njoku also batted injuries throughout the season but began to find his footing over his past five contests, averaging 15.4 PPR points. Foreman and Akins are viable plays in deeper formats this weekend and are high-floor options in DFS.