Dillon Gabriel’s first Browns start in London offered a safe, steady path for Cleveland’s future at QB. He avoided turnovers, leaned on a strong run game, and connected with tight ends for two red-zone scores in a low-scoring loss to Minnesota. The plan centered on short-to-intermediate passes and a heavy dose of Quinshon Judkins, with Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. delivering key catches. The takeaway for fantasy: Gabriel provides a reliable floor with room to grow as the Browns refine a youth-forward offense, while Flacco remains the veteran backup and Shedeur Sanders waits in the wings.

Week 5 waiver-wire spotlight centers on Pitts Sr., Strange, and Fannin Jr. Pitts Sr. is finally delivering fantasy upside, with five targets per game and a Week 4 TD, and a Week 5 bye creates a prime window to snag him before a favorable Weeks 7–9 slate. Strange has solidified a steady target floor in Jacksonville, making him a reliable Week 5 streaming option. Fannin Jr. has cooled, and unless his role expands in Cleveland, he’s a high-risk add at best.

For Week 5, the path to steady production runs through Pitts’ rising usage and Strange’s efficient involvement, while Fannin remains a wait-notice streamer at best. Managers should capitalize on bye-week dynamics, prioritizing high-upside tight ends with clear weekly floors and favorable upcoming matchups.

The Browns stand at a QB crossroads as Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders near real opportunities, with a 40.5 pass block grade and two heavy losses forcing a closer look. Gabriel’s faster release and higher draft position make him a likely first shot, but Sanders’ pedigree and better play under pressure keep the competition close. A London trip buys time, yet Week 7 against two winnable rivals could push Cleveland toward a decisive starter for 2026.