Is Joe Flacco playing today against the Bengals? Latest on Browns QB with $75,000 on the line
Joe Flacco joined the Cleveland Browns following Deshaun Watson's season-ending injury and immediately gave life to the team, leading them to four straight wins. Cleveland faces its AFC North rival, the Cincinnati Bengals, in its regular season finale in Week 18.
With nothing to play for, the Browns will rest the 38-year-old to keep him healthy for the playoffs. Flacco's one-year deal included a $75K bonus for playing in half of Cleveland's snaps and winning, but since he will be rested for this game, general manager Andrew Berry and the organization reportedly converted the incentive into a bonus for being on the roster.
Flacco has thrown for 1,616 yards with 13 touchdowns to eight interceptions in five starts. He became the fourth starting quarterback this season for head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Flacco began his career with the Baltimore Ravens, starting 163 games in 11 seasons with a Super Bowl win.
He found himself with the Denver Broncos in the 2019 season and later spent three seasons with the New York Jets (2020–2022). He faced his old team last week, throwing for 308 yards and three touchdowns in the 37-20 win.
According to TMZ and Fanatics, Flacco's jersey sales rose 400 percent thanks to his success with Cleveland. The Super Bowl 47 MVP is now looking to lead Cleveland to its first-ever Super Bowl.
Browns playoff picture: Who will Cleveland face in the NFL Playoffs?
Cleveland will be the No. 5 seed in the AFC and will be heading on the road on Wild Card Weekend. Per the Sportskeeda Playoff Predictor, Cleveland could face the Jacksonville Jaguars if they defeat the Tennessee Titans in Week 18. A loss by the Jaguars means that the Browns will be heading to NRG Stadium to play the Houston Texans.