Jake Browning OK in tough matchup, gets another in Week 18

Bengals QB Jake Browning completed 19 of 33 passes for 197 yards and a TD in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs. He also ran for 32 yards a TD, which helped power a QB7 fantasy finish for the week. He gets an even tougher matchup in Week 18 against the Browns, who entered Week 17 as the third-toughest QB-scoring matchup by our adjusted fantasy points allowed. Expect Browning to remain outside the top 12 in our Week 18 QB rankings. Longer-term, Browning has likely established himself as a solid backup to Joe Burrow. He'll be an exclusive-rights free agent after the season, meaning he'll have to stick with Cincinnati unless then Bengals don't want him anymore.

Bengals QB Jake Browning went to the locker room with an apparent thumb injury. He was hurt on a scamble in the fourth quarter. For now, A.J. McCarron has taken over as Cincy's QB1.

Update: Browning reportedly dealt with muscle cramps. He returned to the game in the 4th quarter.

Bengals QB Jake Browning balled out in primetime Monday night action, completing 32 of 37 passes for 354 yards with 1 TD vs. the Jaguars. The former UDFA also added 22 rushing yards and a TD on the ground in the contest. This performance ranks among the very best from Week 13, as Browning led QBs in passing yards and completion percentage (86.5%). He should be celebrated, though it’s important not to get carried away. The Bengals’ remaining schedule ranks fourth-toughest for QBs per our adjusted fantasy points allowed. Fantasy managers streaming the young signal-caller in superflex leagues should consider him in the QB2 conversation in Week 14 vs. the Colts but keep expectations in check.