Cleveland Browns Final Preseason Recap with Fantasy Football Implications

🏈 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 EaglesK.J. Henry’s pick-six swung momentum, showing this defense still has big-play upside for fantasy D/ST.
  • Week 3 vs RamsJoe 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.

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Sources & Further Reading

READ NEXT: 2025 Fantasy Football Draft Strategy for Cleveland Browns Fans

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