Cleveland Browns Starting QB Odds: Joe Flacco Leads Group Despite Shedeur Sanders Starting Preseason Game 1
The Cleveland Browns are a mess on offense, and are probably willing to test out any of the current five quarterbacks on the roster right now. But who will prove themselves and get the start in Week 1? It's anyone's ball game, and Shedeur Sanders will get first dibs in the preseason battle with the Panthers on Friday night. Peter Alexis breaks down the Cleveland Browns starting QB odds ahead of their first exhibition.
Peter Alexis - August 7, 2025, 2:14 PM EDT
5 Minute ReadCleveland Browns Starting QB Odds: Joe Flacco Leads Group Despite Shedeur Sanders Starting Preseason Game 1
The Cleveland Browns are set to begin their preseason campaign on Friday night down in Carolina, but just who will be under center? That part has been answered, with the Browns deciding to give rookie Shedeur Sanders as much time on the field as possible. But that doesn't mean he'll be the starter in Week 1.
In fact, it looks to be the exact opposite. Sanders has been slotted in at fourth on the depth chart, sitting behind Flacco, Pickett, and Gabriel in that order. But Pickett and Gabriel are now dealing with mild injuries, and may not play at all in the Week 1 contest. So the Browns signed Tyler Huntley to their already crowded QB room for the time being.
In that sense, the road is wide open for Shedeur Sanders to climb up if he can show off in his early appearances. But note he won't be with the first stringers, at least in this initial outing, which could impact his performance. It may be more positive if the Panthers are using their backup defense as well, but an important dynamic either way.
While still a sizeable favorite, is Joe Flacco a safe bet to start in the regular season? With all of the chaos in Cleveland, nothing is a done deal. Let's take a look at the latest Cleveland Browns starting QB odds ahead of their preseason game with the Carolina Panthers on Friday night.
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Indianapolis Colts Starting QB Odds
Quarterback | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
Joe Flacco | -265 | 72.6% |
Kenny Pickett | +400 | 20% |
Dillon Gabriel | +680 | 12.8% |
Shedeur Sanders | +2500 | 3.8% |
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Joe Flacco -265 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Joe Flacco is the current starter based on the depth chart and predicted odds, but anything can change over the next month. Flacco experienced success with the Browns when he stepped up in 2023, but they decided to move on from him in 2024 thinking that Deshaun Watson would take over. Watson had a miserable time before going out for the season, and now Flacco is back once again, this time at 40 years old.
While Flacco shouldn't still be an NFL starting quarterback, he looks like a star compared to this list. Despite his age, the Browns know he can be successful with this roster and offense, and can't say the same about any of the others. Two of the other three are rookies, and the last is Kenny Pickett, with limited experience and success in Pittsburgh.
Kenny Pickett +400 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Kenny Pickett threw for more than 2,000 yards in both seasons with the Steelers, but had trouble staying accurate and converting. He ended his two years as starter with 14 interceptions to 13 touchdowns.
Last year, he spotlighted a few times for the Philadelphia Eagles, taking a couple snaps down the stretch. After collecting his Super Bowl ring as a backup, he's ready to try and prove himself again if given a chance with the Browns. As the only other QB on the roster with NFL experience, he has a chance to battle Joe Flacco for the start if he can remain healthy.
We'll definitely see Pickett at some point this year, it's just a matter if he will be out there in Week 1. After all, the Browns' win total is just 4.5, so we could get every quarterback starting at some point in this grand experiment.
Dillon Gabriel +680 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Dillon Gabriel finds himself in the third slot, but also a bit injured heading into the first preseason game. He's dealing with some hamstring tightness as of early this week, and it remains to be seen if he'll give it a go on Friday night. Either way, Sanders will be taking more reps than him in this first game, but he'll have more of a chance in the second outing.
It was quite a commotion in the fanbase when Sanders was drafted very shortly after Gabriel. It didn't make a whole lot of sense from a QB room perspective, and seemed like the coaches wanted Gabriel, but the front office/owner wanted to take a shot on the spectacle that has become Shedeur and Deion Sanders out in Colorado. That discrepancy has made the Browns the butt of yet another QB joke, which is no different than the last 20 years of pain in Cleveland. With Gabriel in the middle of the chaos, can he climb his way to the top?
Shedeur Sanders +2500 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Shedeur Sanders is not going to be an NFL starting quarterback this year, but he certainly has a chance to rise in the ranks over the course of the preseason. He'll get his big shot on Friday night when the Browns visit the Panthers, with Sanders expected to start and play most of the game. He should get at least the entire first half, with the opportunity to prove himself with some of the Browns' second stringers.
+2500 is a massive odds offering for something so uncertain. While the books don't expect him to get thrown out there in Week 1, it's certainly a never say never situation. We could definitely see his odds climb over the course of the preseason, especially if he can make some accurate throws against the Panthers and avoid turnovers. This depth chart is far from concrete, and with the injuries, dysfunction, and the fact that it's just Cleveland, anything can happen. Keep an eye on Sanders to potentially climb up the odds board.
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