Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced Wednesday that Flacco will return to a backup role with Anthony Richardson having been named the team's starting quarterback for the rest of the season, JJ Stankeviz of the team's official site reports.
After Richardson was benched following the Colts' Week 8 loss to the Texans, Flacco started both of the past two contests. However, he struggled to protect the ball in losses to the Vikings and Bills, as Flacco completed 67.7 percent of his throws for a respectable 7.3 yards per attempt between the two games but tossed four interceptions (one of which was returned for a touchdown) and lost two fumbles. Despite Flacco's struggles, Steichen previously said Monday that the 39-year-old veteran would continue to direct the offense in Week 11, only to change course on that decision two days later. Richardson has had his own issues with both accuracy (44.4 percent completion rate) and turnovers (seven interceptions, two lost fumbles) over his six starts this season, but the 4-6 Colts are hoping that the two-week benching will have the 22-year-old in a better position to succeed as he returns to the lineup this Sunday against the Jets. Meanwhile, Flacco will stay ready in the event Richardson misses time with an injury over the final seven games of 2024 before heading into free agency this offseason.
... See More... See Less
Colts' Joe Flacco: Week 11 Waiver Priority List
Rotowire
Since being named the starter for the Colts in Week 9, Flacco has struggled and combined for just 17.9 Fantasy points in two outings against the Vikings and Bills. But it wouldn't surprise me if he does well at the Jets in Week 11, and New York has allowed at least 19.9 Fantasy points to four of the past five opposing quarterbacks coming into this week. It also wouldn't be surprising if Flacco struggles again that he's replaced by Anthony Richardson (31 percent rostered), so it's not a bad idea to roster him again in deeper leagues for 1 percent of your remaining FAB. Flacco is also worth just 1 percent of your remaining FAB.
... See More... See Less
Colts' Joe Flacco: Will start again in Week 11
Rotowire
Coach Shane Steichens said Monday that Flacco will remain the Colts' starting quarterback Sunday at the Jets, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.
Flacco hasn't yielded the kind of returns during starts Week 9 and 10 that he did earlier this season, completing 42 of 62 passes for 451 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions while losing two fumbles in back-to-back losses to the Vikings and Bills. Nevertheless, the Colts will continue to roll with the veteran signal-caller versus second-year pro Anthony Richardson under center for the time being. There's no telling how long this arrangement will stay in place, but the team may need to fall out of playoff contention for a change to be made under center.
... See More... See Less
Colts' Joe Flacco: Done in by turnovers in loss
Rotowire
Flacco completed 26 of 35 passes for 272 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions in the Colts' 30-20 loss to the Bills on Sunday. He also lost a fumble.
Flacco's day could have hardly started in more worrisome fashion, as he tossed a pick-six on the Colts' first play from scrimmage and then closed out Indianapolis' second possession with a second interception in Bills territory. Flacco was able to partly atone from a fantasy perspective with a two-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Goodson and a 10-yard scoring toss to Alec Pierce with only two seconds remaining, but the latter was preceded by a lost fumble and a third interception that both unfolded on Buffalo's side of the field as well. Flacco hasn't been very effective from a real-world football perspective during his current two-game starting stint, raising the possibility Anthony Richardson could soon return to the starting role. However, James Boyd of The Athletic reports Shane Steichen said after the game Flacco would remain the starter until the head coach "says otherwise."
... See More... See Less
Colts' Joe Flacco: Will start again in Week 10
Rotowire
Coach Shane Steichen announced Monday that Flacco will remain the Colts' starting quarterback for Week 10 against the Bills, George Bremer of The Anderson Herald Bulletin reports.
As Anthony Richardson was benched, Flacco was given the starting reins last week, but the veteran face-planted in his Sunday night start against the Vikings, when he completed just 16 of 27 pass attempts (56.9 percent) for 179 scoreless yards and one interception. Flacco absorbed three sacks and failed to lead a single touchdown drive in the 21-13 loss. He'll get at least one more chance under center but gets another tough test versus Buffalo.
... See More... See Less
Colts' Joe Flacco: Sleeper QBs
Rotowire
The Colts are starting Flacco in Week 9 at Minnesota, and hopefully he can take advantage of this matchup with the Vikings, who are No. 10 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. Three of the past four quarterbacks have scored at least 22.8 Fantasy points against Minnesota, including two in a row. And Flacco has scored at least 19 Fantasy points in two of three appearances this season.
... See More... See Less
Colts' Joe Flacco: Starter going forward
Rotowire
Head coach Steichen confirmed Wednesday that Flacco will start at quarterback for the Colts "going forward," JJ Stankevitz of the team's official site reports.
Reports had already surfaced Tuesday indicating that the Colts were planning to bench the struggling Anthony Richardson in favor of Flacco, but Steichen clarified Wednesday that the move is not just a one-week change. Flacco will step in for his third start of the season Sunday at Minnesota, after he had previously started in Weeks 5 and 6 while Richardson was sidelined with an oblique injury. With Steichen and the Colts having committed to Flacco for the foreseeable future, the 39-year-old represents a worthwhile roster pickup in fantasy leagues that start two quarterbacks, or for managers looking for a replacement signal-caller during a bye week. Through his first four appearances (two starts) with the Colts this season, Flacco has completed 71 of 108 pass attempts for 716 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception while adding 26 yards on six carries.
... See More... See Less
Colts' Joe Flacco: Taking over as starter Week 9
Rotowire
Flacco will step in as the Colts' starting quarterback in place of Anthony Richardson in Sunday's game against the Vikings, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Head coach Shane Steichen hinted at a possible change under center Monday, when he was non-committal about Richardson's role for Week 9. Flacco -- who played one snap in this past Sunday's loss to the Texans while Richardson rested -- performed well while making three appearances (two starts) in place of an injured Richardson in Weeks 4 through 6, completing 65.7 percent of his passes for 6.6 yards per attempt and a 7:1 TD:INT. Richardson, meanwhile, has failed to complete more than 50 percent of his pass attempts in any of the five games he's finished this season. It's not clear at this point if the 4-4 Colts plan to proceed with Flacco as their starter the rest of the season, but he may continue to lead the offense as long as Indianapolis remains in the playoff hunt.
... See More... See Less
Colts' Joe Flacco: Back to bench in Week 7
Rotowire
Flacco will return to a backup role Sunday against the Dolphins, as Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Friday that Anthony Richardson (oblique) will start, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.
Richardson's ready to return from a two-game absence, so Flacco will move back to the bench. Flacco filled in admirably with a 7:1 TD:INT over the past three games (two starts). There is a strong argument to be made that the 39-year-old Flacco gives the Colts a better chance to win now, but the team is understandably handing the reins back over to the 22-year-old Richardson, who has higher long-term upside.
... See More... See Less
Colts' Joe Flacco: Draws start with Richardson out
Rotowire
Flacco will start Sunday's game against the Jaguars with Anthony Richardson (oblique) inactive for the contest, JJ Stankevitz of the Colts' official site reports.
The starting assignment was fully expected after Flacco took most of the first-team reps during practice this week while Richardson was listed as a limited participant in sessions Wednesday through Friday due to the oblique strain he sustained in last week's 27-24 win over the Steelers. Upon entering the Week 4 game in relief of Richardson on the Colts' second drive, Flacco completed 16 of 26 pass attempts for 168 yards and two touchdowns. With Richardson and top running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) both sitting out Sunday, the Colts could rely more heavily on the Flacco-led passing attack, which could increase the viability of receivers Michael Pittman and Josh Downs as fantasy options in Week 5.
... See More... See Less
Colts' Joe Flacco: Victorious in relief
Rotowire
Flacco completed 16 of 26 passes for two touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's 27-24 win over the Steelers. He also rushed twice for three yards.
Flacco entered the game in relief of Anthony Richardson (hip) on the team's second drive with the benefit of a lead. He did his part to keep the Colts in front by throwing for scores of 15 and five yards, while also completing a pair of passes for more than 20 yards. Flacco showed the ability to distribute the ball very effectively as a starter for the second half of the 2023 season with the Browns, and the Colts have solid offensive skill-position players that should once again help him if Richardson is forced to miss any additional time.
... See More... See Less
Colts' Joe Flacco: Inking with Indy
Rotowire
Flacco agreed to terms Wednesday with the Colts on a one-year contract worth up to $8.7 million, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Flacco's deal reportedly includes $4.5 million guaranteed. The reigning NFL Comeback Player of the Year is coming off an impressive showing with Cleveland last season, and he's now slated to replace Gardner Minshew as the top backup to second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder). All expectations in Indianapolis are that Richardson will be ready for training camp and fully cleared well ahead of Week 1, but Flacco makes for a capable backup should he be required to take the field during the 2024 season. Even if Richardson maintains health all season, Flacco should at least make for a valuable mentor for the young signal-caller.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Joe Flacco: Impressive run ends
Rotowire
Flacco completed 34 of 46 passes for 307 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Saturday's 45-14 loss to the Texans. He rushed the ball three times for 13 yards.
Flacco entered Saturday's game with four straight wins and a 4-1 record in five starts with the Browns. In that span, he had thrown multiple touchdowns in every matchup. However, that came crashing down in the loss to the Texans, as he threw a pair of pick-sixes on back-to-back possessions in the second half to put the Browns down by three scores. Assuming Deshaun Watson (shoulder) is fully recovered, he'll be the Browns' starting quarterback entering the 2024 season, though Flacco could return as the backup or find a job elsewhere thanks to his strong run to the 2023 campaign.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Joe Flacco: Keeps rolling in Week 17 win
Rotowire
Flacco completed 19 of 29 passes for 309 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in the Browns' 37-20 win over the Jets on Thursday night. He also rushed twice for three yards and committed two fumbles, losing one.
Flacco did the overwhelming majority of his damage in the first half, when the Browns racked up 34 of their 37 points. The veteran signal-caller shook off the absence of Amari Cooper (heel) and the in-game exit of Elijah Moore (head), focusing heavily on David Njoku, with whom he connected on six occasions for 134 yards. Flacco linked up with Jerome Ford for touchdown passes of seven and 50 yards, and he hit Moore with an eight-yard scoring toss before the receiver suffered his injury. Flacco now has four straight 300-yard efforts and five multi-touchdown tallies in as many starts heading into the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Bengals on Sunday, Jan. 7, a game that will be followed by at least one postseason contest courtesy of Thursday's victory.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Joe Flacco: Adds/Streamers (QB Preview)
Rotowire
Flacco has been the No. 4 QB in Fantasy since he took over as the starter for the Browns, but there are competing narratives at play here. We love the revenge game factor of Flacco taking on his former team, especially since the Browns didn't turn to him when Aaron Rodgers went down. On the flip side, this is a Thursday night game against a Jets defense that has surrendered the second-fewest FPPG to opposing QBs this season. I would back off of Flacco if Amari Cooper is ruled out.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Joe Flacco: Sleeper QBs
Rotowire
Flacco should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback in all leagues for Week 16 at Houston. He comes into this game with at least 20.2 Fantasy points in all three starts for the Browns, with at least two touchdowns in each outing and at least 311 passing yards in his past two contests. This week, he gets to face a Texans defense that has allowed five of their past seven opposing quarterbacks to score at least 23 Fantasy points. It wouldn't surprise me if Flacco is a top-10 Fantasy quarterback in Week 16.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Joe Flacco: Start Him (Lineup Decisions)
Rotowire
The good news is that Flacco has used high passing volume (at least 44 pass attempts in three starts) to notch back-to-back-to-back 20-plus-point Fantasy games. The bad news is that Flacco looks every bit like a near-39-year-old quarterback who's barely played pro football this year. Last week I counted three passes that should have been intercepted, not including a pass batted down behind the line of scrimmage nor the gutsy throw Flacco hit Amari Cooper on for his long touchdown (or his actual three interceptions, though one wasn't on him). Flacco's pass velocity is waning, and his lack of mobility will eventually catch up with him. However, this Texans defense is expected to be without edge rusher Will Anderson and safety Jimmie Ward. Both are significant losses but in five games with Ward off the field the Texans allowed a 68.7% completion rate, 8.1 yards per attempt, 6.2 YAC/reception and five passing touchdowns. Those numbers are worse than the Commanders' season-long pass defense metrics, and you know how ugly of a defense they've been. It's just enough to buy into the pass-heavy Flacco for one more week. I'd start him over Russell Wilson, Gardner Minshew and Kyler Murray.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Joe Flacco: Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Rotowire
Flacco should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback in all leagues for Week 16 at Houston. He comes into this game with at least 20.2 Fantasy points in all three starts for the Browns, with at least two touchdowns in each outing and at least 311 passing yards in his past two contests. This week, he gets to face a Texans defense that has allowed five of their past seven opposing quarterbacks to score at least 23 Fantasy points. It wouldn't surprise me if Flacco is a top-10 Fantasy quarterback in Week 16.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Joe Flacco: Listed with calf injury
Rotowire
Flacco is listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report due to a calf injury, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
The Browns didn't actually practice Wednesday but presumably will do so Thursday as they prepare for a road game in Houston this Sunday. Flacco didn't miss any snaps in this past Sunday's 20-17 win over the Bears, throwing for 374 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions on 44 attempts.
... See More... See Less
Browns' Joe Flacco: Week 16 Waiver Priority List
Rotowire
Flacco has scored at least 20.2 Fantasy points in all three starts for the Browns, with at least two touchdowns in each outing and at least 311 passing yards in his past two contests. This week, he gets to face a Texans defense that has allowed five of their past seven opposing quarterbacks to score at least 23 Fantasy points. I like Flacco as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy quarterback in Week 16.
