Dillon Gabriel steps in as Cleveland’s Week 5 starter against Minnesota while Mike Hall Jr. sits out a fifth straight game and Myles Garrett contends with an ankle issue. Stefanski explains Joe Flacco’s benching as part of a QB plan, and Gabriel’s promotion has drawn steady national attention as Browns rookies earn early All‑Rookie buzz. The news cycle spans Hawaii, Newsweek, Marca and more, framing a pivotal week for Cleveland’s offense.

Chatter centers on bold QB options and the evolving Browns’ approach at signal caller, with Gabriel’s first start signaling a shift in long‑term plans. The mix of local and international coverage highlights how this Week 5 tilt could shape fantasy and betting angles for Cleveland’s roster and their Week 5 counterpart, Minnesota.

The Browns and Quinshon Judkins finalized a fully guaranteed four-year deal, a landmark rookie pact that settles Cleveland’s entire 2025 draft class. Judkins isn’t expected to play Week 1 vs. Cincinnati while the league conducts its personal conduct review, leaving Jerome Ford and Raheim Sanders to carry early duties. The team envisions Judkins as the long-term workhorse once cleared, underscoring Cleveland’s push to reestablish a downhill, between-tackle identity after Nick Chubb’s departure.

Browns fans welcome a high-ceiling, multi-threat back who can run inside, catch out of the backfield, and align in the slot. But the looming league ruling and his late arrival from training camp add risk to his immediate fantasy upside. If Judkins avoids suspension and tabs a swift acclimation, Cleveland could lean on him heavily, lifting the offense’s rhythm and creating substantial fantasy upside for his teammates as play-action and power concepts flourish.

Ultimately, Cleveland is betting Judkins’ talent outweighs the uncertainty around availability. His college résumé—over 3,700 rushing yards and 45 TDs—backs the belief he can anchor the run game. The Browns’ offensive renaissance hinges on his rapid integration, Ford’s efficiency early, and a defense that creates favorable possession silhouettes for a more dynamic attack this season.

Bengals enter Week 1 healthy as Cincinnati aims to set the tone in an opener that favors offense. Cleveland’s top edge rusher Myles Garrett returns from a hip issue, while DT Mike Hall is sidelined with a knee injury, shifting the Browns’ rush dynamics. Garrett has punished Cincinnati to the tune of 13 sacks in 12 games against the Bengals, a metric that instantly elevates his fantasy ceiling in a matchup where urgency and preparation loom large for both teams.

Cleveland’s defense could pivot on Garrett’s return, amplifying sack upside and sponge-like pressure against Burrow. For fantasy managers, Garrett, Burrow, and Chase headline the Week 1 board, while Browns’ D/ST becomes a tempting streaming play if Garrett is at or near full strength. The piece notes a camp without joint practices and a sharpened focus from Cincinnati that could translate into a fast-paced, high-stakes opener with notable fantasy consequences.

The clash carries long-standing history: Garrett’s presence could tilt the edge-rush duel, while Cincinnati counters with an urgent, film-driven approach. In fantasy terms, Garrett’s health becomes a litmus test for Browns’ defensive assets and for Burrow-Chase stacks, making this game a marquee start-or-sit for many rosters heading into Week 1.

Quinshon Judkins, the Cleveland Browns' second-round pick from Ohio State, was arrested on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale on charges of domestic violence. This incident marks the second consecutive season a Cleveland Browns player from Ohio State has faced similar charges before the start of the NFL season. Last year, defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. was also arrested for domestic violence. A team spokesperson indicated they are aware of the situation and are currently gathering more information.