🏈 Cleveland Browns Final Preseason Recap (2025)
Preseason Record: 3–0
Cleveland ran the table this August, highlighted by a clutch 37-yard FG from Andre Szmyt in the finale against the Rams. The defense played sharp, and the QB battle gave fans (and fantasy managers) plenty to watch.
🔑 Preseason Highlights by Week
- Week 1 vs Panthers – Rookie WR Luke Floriea made a name for himself with a one-handed 30-yard grab from Shedeur Sanders. Could emerge as a dynasty stash.
- Week 2 vs Eagles – K.J. Henry’s pick-six swung momentum, showing this defense still has big-play upside for fantasy D/ST.
- Week 3 vs Rams – Joe Flacco looked sharp in limited action, Dillon Gabriel impressed with efficiency (12-of-19, 129 yards, TD), while Sanders struggled with sacks and pocket drift.
Related: Top 15 Fantasy Football Sleepers
📊 QB Depth Chart
- Starter: Joe Flacco
- Backup: Dillon Gabriel
- Emergency/3rd: Shedeur Sanders
🏆 Fantasy Football Implications
Quarterbacks
- Joe Flacco – In superflex or 2-QB leagues, Flacco carries value as a steady but low-ceiling starter. Surrounded by young talent, he’s more of a matchup streamer in 1-QB formats.
- Dillon Gabriel – Deep dynasty stash. Showed poise and arm strength in preseason; could take over if Flacco falters.
- Shedeur Sanders – Holds dynasty intrigue due to draft pedigree and fan buzz. But his tendency to hold the ball kills drives (and fantasy upside). Long-term project.
Running Backs
- Nick Chubb is gone, and the RB room is unsettled. This creates a potential fantasy lottery ticket:
- Jerome Ford should open as lead back, giving him RB3/flex appeal.
- Rookie unsigned → if he joins midseason, expect a committee shakeup.
- Watch waiver wire for surprise depth chart climbers.
Wide Receivers
- Amari Cooper – Still WR1 on the team, but age/contract issues make him more reliable in redraft than dynasty. Solid WR2.
- Elijah Moore – Sleeper appeal in PPR. Chemistry with Flacco could boost volume.
- Luke Floriea – Deep dynasty stash; preseason flashes show potential.
Tight Ends
- David Njoku – Remains a mid-tier TE1. With QB uncertainty, he could be the safety blanket, especially in red zone packages.
Defense/Special Teams (D/ST)
- The Browns’ pass rush looks strong, highlighted by K.J. Henry’s pick-six. They’re draftable as a fringe top-10 D/ST, especially early against weaker offenses.
Kickers
- Andre Szmyt hit the game-winner in Week 3 and looks like the Week 1 kicker. Only draftable in deeper leagues, but worth streaming if the Browns’ offense stalls often in FG range.
📌 Fantasy Takeaways
- Draft now: David Njoku (value TE1), Browns D/ST (streamer with upside), Jerome Ford (RB3/flex).
- Stash in dynasty: Dillon Gabriel, Luke Floriea, Shedeur Sanders (if you can be patient).
- Avoid early: Shedeur Sanders in redraft, Browns’ kicker until role is locked.
Recommended Draft-Day Essentials
- Fantasy Football Draft Board Kit on Amazon
- Official NFL Team Gear for Your Draft Party
- Fantasy Football Magazines & Guides
- Dry Erase Boards & Markers for Live Drafts
Sources & Further Reading
- Fantasy Football ’25: Sleepers! – Big Blue View
- NFL Preseason 2025: Teams Changing Expectations – SB Nation
- Fantasy Football Deep QB Sleepers 2025 – SB Nation
READ NEXT: 2025 Fantasy Football Draft Strategy for Cleveland Browns Fans
