Despite all the hype surrounding Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns won't be starting him Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Instead, they'll lean on veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco is entering his 18th season in the NFL.

The Cleveland Browns announced on Monday that 40-year-old Joe Flacco will start at quarterback when Cleveland opens the 2025 regular season at home on Sept. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The team’s official release said Flacco "has used the offseason, training camp and preseason to his advantage" and will lead the offense into Week 1.

Joe Flacco will start for the Browns in their preseason finale against the Rams, his first start for Cleveland since the 2023 playoff run.