Browns sticking with Baker

Browns GM Andrew Berry threw support behind QB Baker Mayfield on Tuesday. "We fully expect Baker to be our starter and bounce back," Berry said. Actions speak louder than words, of course. So we'll see if Cleveland makes any major moves at QB this offseason. The Browns exercised the 5th-year option on Mayfield's contract, so he's on the books for nearly $19 million in 2022.

Rams QB Baker Mayfield completed 24 of his 28 passes (85.7%) in Sunday's beatdown of the Broncos. He threw for 230 yards and 2 TDs, finding TE Tyler Higbee for both of them. Higbee (94) and Brycen Hopkins (57) combined for 65.7% of Mayfield's yards for the game. Week 17 holds a matchup with the Chargers, who have been a slightly negative scoring matchup for QBs and 8th-worst for TEs.

Rams QB Baker Mayfield completed 12 of 21 attempts for 111 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT in Sunday's loss vs. the Packers. Given how recently the former Panthers and Browns signal-caller arrived in Los Angeles, it is not surprising to see him and the Rams' offense continue to struggle. Mayfield is not on the fantasy radar in Week 16. The Broncos are a stout defense for fantasy purposes and rank as the 6th-toughest matchup for opposing QBs in adjusted fantasy points allowed in 2022. Mayfield is best left on the bench or on the waiver wire in season-long leagues.

The Rams have claimed QB Baker Mayfield off waivers. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that he's expected to fly to L.A. today and "could play" Thursday night against the Raiders. We'll give Schefter benefit of the doubt here and assume that he's saying Mayfield could be on the active roster for that game. We'd be absolutely shocked if the Rams started Mayfield 2 days after claiming him -- especially given how poorly Mayfield played with the Panthers this season. Taking a shot on the former #1 overall pick certainly makes sense for L.A., which has likely lost QB Matthew Stafford for the season. QB John Wolford is also dealing with a neck issue that kept him out of practice Monday. We'd bet on Mayfield seeing the field at some point. The claim means the Rams must pay the remaining $1.35 million on Mayfield's contract, taking that off the books for the Panthers.

The Panthers are waiving QB Baker Mayfield, according to multiple reports. That makes him available to the whole league but subject to the waivers process before he can hit the open market. We'll see whether teams put in a claim, which would lock the "winning" team into paying his remaining salary. The timing could be perfect for Mayfield to make his way to the 49ers, who just lost their 2nd starting QB of the year when Jimmy Garoppolo broke his left foot Sunday. Of course, the way Mayfield performed in Carolina this season wouldn't be an upgrade over the way #3 QB Brock Purdy played Sunday against the Dolphins. San Francisco has also already re-signed veteran journeyman Josh Johnson.

Panthers HC Steve Wilks said Monday he hasn't decided yet who will start at QB for Sunday's game against the Broncos. he added that he'll make the decision ahead of Wednesday's practice. Baker Mayfield stunk (again) in the Week 11 loss to Baltimore. P.J. Walker is coming off a groin injury that kept him out of that game. Sam Darnold has yet to play this year after opening the season on IR. This decision might not really matter for fantasy football purposes outside of determining whether Mayfield will stick around and continue to silence WR D.J. Moore.