Cleveland Browns Starting QB Odds Breakdown: Pickett, Sanders, Flacco, or Gabriel Under Center in Week 1?
The Browns have once again found themselves in a bit of a pickle with this QB position, which is news to no one after the last two decades. Now, the entire five-man quarterback room is in play for the starting spot. Tipp Major gives some insight on who will win the prestigious prize of Browns starter for Week 1 when they host the Cincinnati Bengals.
Tipp Major
| 5 min
Cleveland Browns Starting QB Odds Breakdown: Pickett, Sanders, Flacco, or Gabriel Under Center in Week 1?
Fifteen days before the NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns chose Joe Flacco. The reason for this choice is still unclear. The Browns had been eyeing a quarterback in the draft, as they seem to do every year, and they passed on Shedeur Sanders multiple times. Eventually, when the fifth opportunity arose, they decided they had to take him, even though Andrew Berry wasn’t particularly impressed with Sanders in previous interviews.
When the Browns selected Dillon Gabriel, who PFF ranked as the eighth-best quarterback coming out of college, it made sense to them at the time. However, many considered this a puzzling decision. Then there’s Kenny Pickett, but I personally doubt he could handle being the starter in Cleveland. Finally, there's Deshaun Watson, although it seems we may have seen the last of him with the Browns.
So just who the hell is going to start Week 1, let’s explore the betting odds for the future starting QB for the Cleveland Browns. Can he turn around the Browns QB misfortunes?
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Cleveland Browns Starting QB Odds
Browns QB | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
Joe Flacco | +125 | 44.4% |
Kenny Pickett | +220 | 31.3% |
Shedeur Sanders | +370 | 21.3% |
Dillon Gabriel | +830 | 10.8% |
Deshaun Watson | +5000 | 2% |
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Deshaun Watson +5000
Calling Deshaun Watson a long shot to start Week 1 is an understatement. It's more accurately described as being in the “no way in hell” category. He re-ruptured his Achilles early in January, which completely dashed any hopes of him playing not only in Week 1 but potentially throughout the upcoming season with the Browns. Unfortunately, Watson may never take the field again for meaningful NFL games.
Dillion Gabriel +830
Can Dillon Gabriel really be seen as a starter this season, especially for Week 1? While he possesses qualities such as experience and mobility that could give him a chance, it still seems unlikely. All NFL players face pressure during their careers, but currently, he has the least amount of pressure among the Browns' quarterbacks as he prepares for the offseason programs leading up to training camp and preseason games.
I recently watched the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show, where the hosts discussed how well Gabriel fits into what Kevin Stefanski wants to accomplish. Timing is crucial in sports, and one strong point made about Gabriel is not only his timing with his receivers but also his ability to not hold on to the ball. This is an important trait, as many college quarterbacks tend to hold on to the ball too long before entering the NFL.
However, it's essential to remember that Gabriel is still a work in progress. While we've seen success stories like Russell Wilson, Dillon is currently a third-round quarterback who will likely be holding a clipboard during Week 1.
Joe Flacco (+125)
Desperate to reunite, Joe Flacco and Coach Stefanski sought each other out after it became clear that Flacco would not be part of the Colts' future. Remember, Flacco won the Comeback Player of the Year award in 2023, averaging 323 passing yards and throwing 13 touchdowns in the last five games of the season, which helped the Browns reach the playoffs. He is familiar with the system and is expected to assist in getting the other quarterbacks up to speed with the offense.
The question remains: how much does the 40-year-old Flacco have left in the tank? Personally, I believe Stefanski has brought Flacco in as an extension of the coaching staff for the young quarterback group. It’s possible that he could see some playing time this season, but unfortunately, that would likely only happen due to an injury to the actual starter.
Shedeur Sanders (+370)
First off Shedeur Sanders is my favorite to start Week 1.
Here’s why…
Shedeur Sanders had to endure significant humiliation at the draft, but this experience should fuel an intense drive within him. We are aware of his impressive accuracy and completion percentages in college, though he does tend to hold onto the ball a bit longer than necessary. Nevertheless, Sanders is a strong leader on the field, a skill he has honed under the guidance of his father, Coach Prime.
Sanders carries a lot of pressure on his shoulders, eager to prove his doubters wrong. Coach Stefanski currently shows no signs of leaving, and the Browns appear patient enough to invest in a rookie project alongside the coach they believe in. In a recent interview, Sanders expressed his desire to demonstrate to the Cleveland Browns and his teammates that he is ready to work.
If this is indeed the case, the other quarterbacks on the team better be prepared, as it seems Sanders is committed to put in the necessary work to become the starting quarterback by Week 1. Buckle up!
Kenny Pickett (+220)
Remember, I said, I don’t think he can "handle" it. But I’ll go ahead and give you some more insight. Again, Stefanski wants to create timing for the offense. That is something Kenny Pickett struggles with consistently, timing. Pickett at least gives himself a shot at starting after being in Philadelphia last season. It will be interesting to see how well he does in off-season programs and preseason. But come Week 1, is it possible he finds himself on a different team? This outcome I believe is highly likely.
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