The Dillon Gabriel era begins in Cleveland, and the Browns will likely keep the game plan simple to ease him in against a tough Vikings defense.
Will the Browns keep it Simple for Gabriel or let him loose?
Quick Start/Sit Table
| Player | Start/Sit | Meter (🔥 Strong Start / ❄️ Sit / 🌙 Sleeper / 💪 Flex) |
| Justin Jefferson | Start | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
| Jordan Addison | Start | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
| Jordan Mason | Flex | 💪💪💪 |
| Quinshon Judkins | Start | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
| Jerry Jeudy | Flex | 💪💪 |
| TJ Hockenson | Sit | ❄️❄️ |
| David Njoku | Sit | ❄️❄️ |
| Zavier Scott | Sleeper | 🌙🌙 |
| Isaiah Bond | Sleeper | 🌙🌙 |
| Minnesota Defense | Start | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
Breakdown
Minnesota boasts one of the league’s stingiest fronts against the run, which puts pressure on rookie RB Quinshon Judkins to carry the load. Meanwhile, the Vikings’ offense is still looking for rhythm with Carson Wentz under center. Wentz had a slow start last week, but with weapons like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the passing game has enough firepower to make noise. Expect a gritty, defense-heavy matchup where star skill players will be asked to rise to the occasion.
Start Em
🔥 Justin Jefferson – WR, Vikings
Jefferson hasn’t lost a step despite Minnesota’s uneven QB play. Last week, he caught 10 passes for 128 yards on 11 targets, showcasing his ability to produce no matter the matchup. Cleveland’s secondary is talented, but Jefferson is essentially matchup-proof.
Projection: 9 receptions, 115 yards, 1 TD
🔥 Jordan Addison – WR, Vikings
Addison made a statement in his return, pulling in 4 catches for 114 yards with nearly all of it coming on a deep strike. His speed stretches defenses, which opens opportunities for Jefferson. Against a Browns team that may key on Jefferson, Addison is in line for another strong showing.
Projection: 5 receptions, 82 yards, 1 TD
💪 Jordan Mason – RB, Vikings
Mason faces a tough Cleveland front that’s allowing minimal rushing lanes. Still, he’s averaging 15 touches per game over the last three weeks, giving him steady flex value. Don’t expect explosive numbers, but volume makes him startable in deeper formats.
Projection: 13 carries, 46 yards, 2 receptions, 15 yards
🔥 Quinshon Judkins – RB, Browns
Gabriel’s debut means Judkins should be featured early and often. Since taking over as the primary back, he’s been steady with 70+ total yards in three straight games. Minnesota is tough against the run, but Judkins’ workload keeps him in RB2 territory.
Projection: 17 carries, 68 yards, 3 receptions, 18 yards
💪 Jerry Jeudy – WR, Browns
Jeudy’s hands betrayed him last week with multiple drops, but he still saw 9 targets. Rookie QBs often lean on one reliable option, and Jeudy could become Gabriel’s safety blanket. He’s risky but worth a flex start in PPR leagues.
Projection: 6 receptions, 71 yards
🔥 Minnesota Vikings D/ST
The Vikings’ defense has been relentless, holding opponents under 20 points in three of the last four games. Facing a rookie QB in his first career start, this unit is in a smash spot. Look for Minnesota to rack up 3+ sacks, 1–2 takeaways, and potentially a defensive score.
Projection: 14 points allowed, 4 sacks, 2 turnovers, 1 TD
Sit ’Em
❄️ TJ Hockenson – TE, Vikings
Minnesota’s offense hasn’t figured out how to integrate Hockenson. Despite being on the field for nearly every snap, he’s averaging just 4.2 targets per game. Until the scheme changes, he’s better left on the bench.
Projection: 3 receptions, 29 yards
❄️ David Njoku – TE, Browns
Njoku splits looks with rookie TE Jaheim Fannin, and neither has separated. Njoku logged 4 catches on 6 targets last week, but no red-zone usage. Too risky given Cleveland’s QB situation.
Projection: 4 receptions, 33 yards
Sleepers
🌙 Isaiah Bond – WR, Browns
Bond led Cleveland receivers last week with 5 receptions for 67 yards. His chemistry with Gabriel could grow quickly. In very deep leagues, he’s worth a stash or desperation start.
Projection: 4 receptions, 60 yards, 1 TD
Isaiah Bond already playing key role for Browns – Justin Melo via TheDraftNetwork.com
🌙 Zavier Scott – RB, Vikings
Scott flashed last week with 6 catches for 54 yards and a TD on 8 targets. He’s clearly carved a role in passing downs, making him an intriguing deep-league flex play.
Projection: 5 receptions, 58 yards
Bottom Line
This matchup will come down to whether the Browns can keep things simple for Dillon Gabriel while feeding Judkins, or if Minnesota’s defense overwhelms the rookie. On the other side, Jefferson and Addison give Carson Wentz enough firepower to attack Cleveland’s secondary. For fantasy managers, the stars (Jefferson, Addison, Judkins, Minnesota D/ST) are strong plays, while sleepers like Zavier Scott and Isaiah Bond could provide sneaky value.
