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By Noah Camras
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Cincinnati Bengals finally decided to pull the plug on Jake Browning at quarterback, trading for veteran Joe Flacco from the division-rival Cleveland Browns.
The Bengals traded a fifth-round pick for Flacco and a sixth-rounder, giving themselves a much more viable option at quarterback while Joe Burrow recovers from his toe surgery.
Flacco represents an immediate upgrade at quarterback over Browning, and spells good news for fantasy football managers who have worried about the Bengals star wide receivers after a slow start to the season. Here's the fantasy impact on all the Bengals — hint, it's positive.
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Ja'Marr Chase Fantasy Football Impact of Joe Flacco Trade
While Browning finally figured out how to throw the ball to Chase late in Sunday's loss to the Detroit Lions, fantasy managers who drafted him at No. 1 overall can finally take a sigh of relief.
Flacco, now 40, has proven he can lead an offense at this stage of his career, and Chase will return to his WR1 status once Flacco takes over the reins of the team.
If you don't have Chase, this could be a chance to go get him for cheaper than his WR1 status would dictate. While he's coming off a big week, a fantasy manager may be frustrated with the Bengals' quarterback situation, and won't know that Flacco will represent a big upgrade.
Flacco was able to do more with less over the last few seasons, and will benefit by working with this receiving core.
Tee Higgins Fantasy Football Impact of Joe Flacco Trade
For all the reasons that Chase will be better, so too will Higgins.
Higgins has been one of the biggest disappointments in fantasy football this season, so fantasy managers who own him will surely be looking to move on. This is the time to get him, as he'll benefit from a better Bengals offense and will see a dramatic increase in opportunities.
Go get Higgins now, as he'll get back to his WR2 status sooner rather than later.
Joe Flacco Fantasy Football Impact on Rest of Bengals
The Bengals offense will be better with Flacco than Browning, which should be good news for everyone.
Flacco loved his tight ends and running backs in Cleveland — although some of that likely had to do with his lack of weapons at receiver — which should mean good news for Chase Brown, Mike Gesicki and Noah Fant.
Additionally, the Bengals weren't able to win with Browning, which could have led to a lost season in Cincinnati. However, if Flacco can bring back some of that magic he had with Cleveland in 2023, maybe he can do enough to keep this team relevant long enough for Pro Bowl signal caller Joe Burrow to return before the end of the season.
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