In a surprising move, the Cincinnati Bengals acquired veteran quarterback Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday. This trade marks the first in-season, intradivisional quarterback swap in the NFL since 1990 and comes at a critical juncture for the Bengals. With Joe Burrow still sidelined with a turf toe injury, Cincinnati has struggled to find stability at the quarterback position, losing three consecutive games. The Bengals are hoping Flacco, who brings 18 years of experience, can help steady the ship while Burrow recovers.
But is Flacco the right answer for a team with playoff aspirations? Let’s break down how this trade impacts the Bengals, the Browns, fantasy football, and the future of the AFC North.
Can Joe Flacco Keep the Bengals Afloat?
The Bengals are in dire need of a capable quarterback, and that’s where Flacco comes in. Flacco, who has been with Cleveland for much of the season, started the first four games for the Browns, going 1-3. His performance was underwhelming, as he threw six interceptions and struggled to keep the team competitive. In fact, Flacco had a rough outing in Week 1 against Cincinnati, where he threw two interceptions, including one late in the game, as the Bengals narrowly defeated the Browns 17-16.
Now, Cincinnati hopes Flacco can recapture the form that made him a Super Bowl MVP with the Baltimore Ravens in 2012. The problem, however, is that Flacco has shown a pattern of inconsistency, even in recent years. While he was named Comeback Player of the Year in 2023 with the Browns, his QBR this season ranks second to last in the league at 27.6—only slightly better than Bengals backup Jake Browning.
The goal for Flacco will be to help the Bengals stay competitive until Burrow is able to return. While head coach Zac Taylor has not ruled out Burrow for the remainder of the season, sources close to the team have indicated that Burrow will miss at least three months. Therefore, Flacco’s ability to manage the game and avoid turnovers will be crucial if the Bengals hope to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, even with Flacco’s extensive experience, he needs to improve on the fundamentals of his game—something that plagued both him and Browning earlier in the season.
Impact on the Browns’ Quarterback Situation
Flacco’s departure leaves the Cleveland Browns with two rookies in the quarterback room—Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders—both of whom are expected to audition for the starting job moving forward. Gabriel replaced Flacco as the starting quarterback after Week 4 and had an up-and-down performance, including a 16.1-point fantasy outing in his debut overseas against a tough defense.
The Browns’ primary focus now shifts to developing Gabriel and Sanders, with the team seemingly committed to evaluating both quarterbacks ahead of the 2026 NFL draft. Gabriel is expected to continue as the starter, with Sanders likely moving into the backup role. The Browns have high expectations for both quarterbacks, particularly Gabriel, whom they view as a long-term option.
Cleveland’s first-round draft picks in 2026—both their own and the Jacksonville Jaguars’—are now pivotal to the team’s future. The team will look to use this season to assess Gabriel’s potential and determine whether Sanders could eventually serve as a viable backup or even a future starter.
The Browns’ quarterback situation has become more fluid with Flacco gone, and the focus will now be on how Gabriel and Sanders perform in live-game situations, especially given the ongoing rehab of Deshaun Watson, who remains on the physically unable to perform list due to an Achilles injury.
Fantasy Football Implications: Flacco, Bengals, and Browns
In terms of fantasy football, Flacco’s trade to Cincinnati adds an interesting wrinkle for both the Bengals’ skill players and the Browns’ quarterbacks. For fantasy managers invested in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the arrival of Flacco could be a slight boost, especially considering that Flacco’s presence may stabilize the passing game. While Flacco is hardly a fantasy star at this point in his career, his veteran leadership and arm strength could provide more predictability for the Bengals’ receiving corps.
However, Flacco’s performance this season has been underwhelming. Through four games with Cleveland, he failed to score more than 10 fantasy points in all but one contest. His 58.1% completion rate and six interceptions are concerning, and his fantasy value is limited to deeper leagues and two-quarterback formats. In a best-case scenario for the Bengals, Flacco can limit turnovers and provide just enough stability to keep Chase and Higgins involved in the offense.
For fantasy managers owning Bengals receivers, the key will be whether Flacco can connect with his top targets and avoid the mistakes that plagued Browning. With Flacco under center, fantasy managers may see some volatility with the Bengals’ passing game, but it’s reasonable to expect both Chase and Higgins to maintain their fantasy relevance, even if their ceilings are lower with Flacco at the helm.
On the Browns’ side, Gabriel’s immediate fantasy value rises with Flacco gone. Gabriel is expected to take over as the starter for the remainder of the season, and he could have some potential as a low-end QB2 in fantasy leagues, especially in deeper formats. Sanders, who had been the No. 3 QB, will likely step into the backup role, which means his fantasy relevance is limited unless an injury occurs.
AFC North Outlook: Bengals, Browns, and the Division’s Future
With both the Bengals and the Browns in flux at the quarterback position, the AFC North division is more open than it has been in years. The Pittsburgh Steelers, while still a solid team, have shown signs of vulnerability, and the Ravens, sitting at 1-4, are struggling to find their identity. The division is wide open, and this trade could be the move that gives the Bengals a fighting chance to stay competitive in what has become a chaotic year in the AFC North.
For the Bengals, Flacco provides an opportunity to steady the ship. Although Cincinnati has struggled in recent weeks, they still possess one of the most dynamic skill sets in the league, with Chase, Higgins, and running back Joe Mixon. If Flacco can avoid turnovers and maintain the offensive balance that Burrow brought to the team, the Bengals could still make a playoff push.
For the Browns, this move signals a commitment to developing Gabriel and Sanders while evaluating their long-term options. With Watson’s future uncertain, the Browns must figure out their quarterback situation before the 2026 draft, which could define the franchise’s future.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Flacco, the Bengals, and the AFC North?
Joe Flacco’s trade to the Bengals is a bold and surprising move that could either help or hinder the Bengals’ playoff aspirations. While Flacco’s past performance raises questions about his ability to guide Cincinnati to success, his experience could provide a stabilizing force until Joe Burrow returns.
For the Browns, the move signals a shift toward developing their young quarterbacks, Gabriel and Sanders. With both teams in transition, the AFC North has never felt more unpredictable, and both the Bengals and the Browns will be watching closely to see how their respective quarterback situations evolve.
Fantasy managers should adjust accordingly, keeping an eye on Flacco’s impact on Bengals receivers and Gabriel’s potential in Cleveland. Ultimately, the trade could have significant implications not only for the immediate future of these two teams but also for the long-term direction of the AFC North.
