Browns’ Kevin Stefanski: ‘We’re not changing QBs’

Sun Oct 6 6:48pm ET
Field Level Media

The Cleveland Browns endured another dreadful offensive performance on Sunday in losing their third straight game, a 34-13 bludgeoning at the hands of the Washington Commanders.

But head coach Kevin Stefanski isn't yet entertaining the notion of a quarterback switch.

"We're not changing quarterbacks," Stefanski said following the loss. "We need to play better. I need to coach better."

The Browns (1-4) gained just 212 yards in failing to break 20 points for the fifth time in as many games.

Starting quarterback Deshaun Watson was sacked seven times, lost a fumble and managed just 125 yards through the air, throwing one garbage-time touchdown with his team trailing 34-6. Backup Jameis Winston came in briefly and completed his only pass for 16 yards.

Watson's 74.8 passer rating this season is among the worst marks in the league, while the Browns as a team have failed to reach 300 total yards in any game this season.

"The offense is going to go as far as I go," Watson said. "So, at the end of the day, we're not doing enough offensively."

During Watson's time with the Houston Texas, he faced 24 claims of sexual misconduct from women, stemming from massage sessions. All but one of the cases were settled out of court, with the last one still pending. The NFL suspended him for the first 11 games of the 2022 season and fined him $5 million.

Watson was the recipient of new allegations last month, but hasn't faced any disciplinary action as a result.

In 2022, he signed an NFL-record $230 million fully guaranteed deal with the Browns after the franchise traded for the troubled quarterback, with Cleveland restructuring that deal this offseason. Watson, 29, now has cap hits of $72.9 million in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with $172 million and $99 million in dead cap hits in those years.

Next week, the Browns have a road trip to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 5

Player Notes
James Conner Oct 6 9:10pm ET
James Conner

Despite facing what was expected to be his toughest matchup of the season, Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner had a solid performance, racking up 100 total yards from scrimmage and scoring a crucial two-point conversion against the San Francisco 49ers. The 29-year-old rushed 19 times for 86 yards and caught two of three targets for 14 yards in Sunday's win. After a challenging first half, the Cardinals shifted their offense to lean on Conner, giving him a total of 21 touches. He showcased his strength, breaking tackles and consistently pushing forward for tough yards. Notably, the Cardinals did not give any other running back a single carry in this game. With Conner firmly entrenched as the workhorse, he's a must-start against the Green Bay Packers next week in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Oct 6 9:10pm ET
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (concussion) returned to the lineup after missing last week's loss to the Commanders due to a concussion. He had a solid outing in the victory over the San Francisco 49ers, recording six catches for 53 yards in Sunday's 24-23 victory. Quarterback Kyler Murray targeted McBride in the corner of the end zone, but he couldn't secure the catch, which would have capped off his day with a touchdown. It's clear that McBride is Murray's most trusted target, often receiving passes on third downs and when under pressure. With his performance, McBride is arguably the top fantasy tight end and a must-start against the Green Bay Packers next week in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Derick Hall Oct 6 9:10pm ET
Derick Hall

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (thigh) was forced from the team's 29-20 loss to the New York Giants and did not return. He would end his outing in the second quarter after recording three total tackles (two solo). Nwosu was making his first regular-season appearance in nearly a year after a pectoral injury derailed his 2023 season in Week 7, and a preseason knee injury delayed the start of his 2024 campaign. The severity of the injury is unknown, but Seattle is getting thin on the defensive side of the ball -- already down third-year outside linebacker Boye Mafe (knee) and additionally losing Derick Hall (foot) in the contest. We'll get an update on these athletes over the next few days, but if the trio mentioned above can't play in Week 6, linebackers Dre'Mont Jones and Trevis Gipson would be in line for more playing time. Seattle will host their division-rival San Francisco 49ers at home on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Oct 6 9:00pm ET
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray delivered an impressive performance in Sunday's 24-23 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. He completed 19 of 30 pass attempts for 195 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 83 yards and another touchdown. From the first drive, it was clear Murray was ready for a bounce-back game, highlighted by a spectacular 50-yard rushing touchdown. He showed composure in the pocket, effectively taking what the defense offered, even though he fell short of 200 yards passing. He nearly added another touchdown through the air but was thwarted by a dropped pass from tight end Trey McBride. Fantasy managers should be optimistic, as it appears the Cardinals will focus on more designed runs for Murray moving forward. Next week, the Cardinals will face the Green Bay Packers, making Murray a must-start option in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Oct 6 8:50pm ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love had a solid game as the Packers bested the Rams 24-19 in Week 5. On the road against a game Rams defense, Love was 15-of-26 passing for 224 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Both touchdowns went to tight end Tucker Kraft in the third quarter; the first being on a 66-yard catch and run and the second coming on a more conventional seven-yard catch on a developed screen pass. Love also added 10 yards rushing in the win. With the Arizona Cardinals coming to Lambeau Field in Week 6, Love should be considered a near-universal start in fantasy football with the Packers' offense having the potential for a ton of fantasy scoring.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Oct 6 8:50pm ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was fantastic in a 37-34 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The rookie receiver finished with 122 yards on five receptions and an 85 yard touchdown reception. BTJ continues to show off his big-play ability, showing why he is such a high upside fantasy asset. Against the poor Colts secondary, BTJ was the primary receiving option for Trevor Lawrence, leading the team in targets with eight. While Christian Kirk has also been great the past few games, the rookie out of LSU has been the standout player for Jacksonville's offense. Just five games into his career, BTJ has shown he is capable of being the focal point of the offense. Despite being a first-round pick, he has somehow managed to exceed expectations so far. In Week 6, BTJ and the Jaguars face off with the Chicago Bears, who have a much better passing defense than the Colts.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Oct 6 8:40pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was solid, yet unspectacular in the Packers' 24-19 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5. Jacobs paced the team with 19 carries for 73 yards including a first-quarter rushing score from two yards out to kick off the scoring for the Packers. In addition to Jacobs' rushing prowess, he also added a 21-yard catch on his only target for a final total of 94 yards from scrimmage. Week 5's performance was Jacobs' best game of the season in terms of fantasy and now that he got his first touchdown of the season, Jacobs will head back home in Week 6 to host the Cardinals as a low-end RB1 for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Oct 6 8:40pm ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. struggled on the ground but produced well in the passing game in a 37-34 win against the Indianapolis Colts. Etienne Jr. finished with just 17 yards on six carries, but also added 43 yards on six receptions. In PPR leagues, fantasy managers were relatively happy with this performance, but beyond that, the Clemson product didn't have the best day fantasy-wise despite the team putting up 37 points. The 25-year-old back seems in danger of losing his starting job to backup Tank Bigsby, who put up 101 yards on 13 carries, giving him five more yards per carry. Etienne Jr.'s production in the passing game gives him a solid floor, but his ceiling just isn't there without much more volume. The Jaguars face the Chicago Bears in Week 6 in London, where Etienne Jr. will try to be more efficient on the ground for the sake of his starting job.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Oct 6 8:30pm ET
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft was the star of the Packers' passing attack in Green Bay's 24-19 victory on the road against the Rams. Kraft caught both of Jordan Love's touchdown passes on the day for four receptions and 88 yards on five targets. 66 of those yards came from a long 66-yard touchdown in the beginning of the third quarter where he stiff-armed a defender on the sideline and then used a blocker to blow by the other en route to the score. Kraft scored his second touchdown later in the quarter on a seven-pass snag. Averaging 21.1 fantasy points in his last two games, Kraft is now a TE1 lock in your fantasy football lineups and the good times keep rolling as the Packers return home to host the Cardinals in a solid matchup.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Oct 6 8:20pm ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith logged his second consecutive 20-point fantasy outing in Week 5 against the New York Giants. Smith finished 28/40 for 284 yards and continued his trend of throwing one touchdown pass per game. Smith also recorded 72 rushing yards to boost his overall fantasy output. Smith has now scored at least 17.88 fantasy points in every game this season. He continues to be a solid streaming option and could end up being a regular starter given how poor many quarterbacks have played this season. Smith enters a Week 6 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers on the heels of four straight games with at least 284 passing yards. The game projects to be a potential high-scoring affair in which Smith should continue his trend of throwing around 300 yards. Hopefully Smith can finally break into a multiple touchdown game as well.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Oct 6 8:10pm ET
Devin Singletary

The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams scored a long fumble-recovery touchdown on a goal-line stand in the first quarter in Week 5. However, the unit was unable to stop the Giants the rest of the way and ended up allowing 29 points. To add insult to injury, the Seahawks had a chance to tie the game on a last-second field goal that was blocked and ultimately returned for a touchdown icing any chance for a comeback. The Seahawks D/ST allowed 420 yards which was the most they have allowed all season. Given that the Giants were without wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Devin Singletary, it is not encouraging to see the Seahawks D/ST perform so poorly in this game. They will look to bounce back in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Oct 6 8:10pm ET
Deshaun Watson

According to Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, quarterback Deshaun Watson will remain the team's starter. The signal-caller has struggled this season, most recently throwing for 125 yards and one touchdown off 15-for-28 passing in the Week 5 loss to the Commanders. Jameis Winston took over near the end of the contest, leading many to believe he will take over under center moving ahead. However, that's not the case. With that in mind, the Browns offensive line has allowed 26 sacks this season, more than any team in the league. But no matter what the cause of Watson's struggles is, he isn't an ideal fantasy option for Week 6 against the Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Oct 6 8:10pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence had a great fantasy outing in a 37-34 win against the Indianapolis Colts. Lawrence finished with 371 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and an interception. The former top pick had by far his best fantasy outing of the season, with his previous high in passing yards coming in Week 2 with 220 yards. Lawrence led a balanced Jaguars offensive attack, taking advantage of the poor Colts defense. He was able to spread the ball around to nine different receivers on his 28 completions. He also had some big plays in the passing game, including an 85 yard touchdown to Brian Thomas Jr. and a 61 yard passing play to Christian Kirk. Lawrence and the Jaguars offense will look to continue this upward trajectory in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears, who have been one of the top defenses in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks so far this season.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Oct 6 8:00pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf fumbled again in Week 5. Metcalf's total statistical output was modest by his standards. After surpassing 100 receiving yards in three straight games, Metcalf finished with four catches for 55 yards and no touchdowns. The Seahawks offense as a whole was held in check by a scrappy Giants defense. If it weren't for the fumble, Metcalf would have had a semi-productive outing. However, he ended up falling well short of his WR1 expectations. Fantasy managers should be unconcerned with Metcalf's performance. While it is disappointing that he has fumbled in two straight games, it is unlikely to be a regular occurrence. Metcalf will look to bounce back in Week 6 in a huge divisional game against the San Francisco 49ers.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Oct 6 8:00pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba scored his first touchdown of the season on Sunday. He found himself wide open in the back of the end zone for an important score that put the Seahawks within striking distance of the New York Giants. However, if it weren't for the score, Smith-Njigba likely would have had another disappointing fantasy outing. He only finished with four receptions for 31 yards and the touchdown. Smith-Njigba continues to be a perplexing player in fantasy. He has not been consistent by any means. Still, he has scored double-digit fantasy points in three of five games. When Smith-Njigba earns at least six targets he has been a usable fantasy asset. Fantasy managers can only hope that Smith-Njigba's volume becomes consistent as the season wears on.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Oct 6 8:00pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett has become a consistent flex option this season. He has not risen to the ranks of WR2, but he has scored at least 9.6 fantasy points in four of five games this season. Lockett has been an important safety valve for quarterback Geno Smith in 2024. He has earned at least six targets in every game but one in 2024. Lockett has yet to find the end zone this season, but his consistent target, reception, and yardage floor have made him a solid asset for fantasy football. As bye weeks continue to arrive and injuries mount around the league, Lockett will be a solid fill-in for players you may have missing from your lineup.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Oct 6 8:00pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is not known for his receiving prowess. However, he ended up leading the Seahawks in targets with eight in Week 5. Walker would finish the game with seven receptions for 57 yards on top of a lackluster rushing line of five carries for 19 yards. Walker was set up to succeed in this game, but the Seahawks offense was largely ineffective. The Seahawks puzzlingly abandoned the run as well. They only had 11 total rushing attempts. This should only be a bump in the road for Walker. However, it does signal that he could be prone to poor games if the Seahawks find themselves in negative game scripts. Still, it was encouraging to see the receiving work that Walker received in this game. Backup running back Zach Charbonnet is generally the receiving running back. Walker has a chance to bounce back on the ground in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Oct 6 8:00pm ET
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers had a game-tying kick blocked and returned for a touchdown in Week 5 against the New York Giants. Despite the "missed" kick, Myers still ended up with nine fantasy points for another respectful outing as a kicker. Myers has only missed two field goals on the season, and one could say that neither was his fault. The first miss was a 62-yard career-long attempt at the end of the first half in Week 4. Myers should continue his excellent season in both fantasy and real-life production against a reeling San Francisco 49ers team in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Joe Flacco Oct 6 7:55pm ET
Joe Flacco

Dynasty | Colts quarterback Joe Flacco completed 33-of-44 passes for 359 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a loss to the Jaguars. Dynasty Analysis: It was just another day at the office for Flacco, who has made a habit of coming out of the bullpen and putting up huge games. Flacco made Deshaun Watson look pretty bad last year and his performance today didn't exactly make Anthony Richardson's early season struggles look any better. Still, it was against the Jaguars and they aren't exactly employing the Legion of Boom. Flacco will be under consideration to play again as long as Richardson sits out.

Alec Pierce Oct 6 7:55pm ET
Alec Pierce

Dynasty | Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce had three catches for 134 yards and a touchdown in a loss against the Jaguars. Dynasty Analysis: Pierce could have easily had two scores, but was ruled down inside the five yard line on a deep catch from Joe Flacco. Pierce has turned into a bit of a one-trick pony with the deep ball being his most effective weapon, but he certainly made the most of it today. With Joe Flacco at the helm, Pierce looks to have more fantasy appeal. We'll see what happens moving forward but Pierce looks like he's at least solidified his spot on dynasty rosters this season.