The Cleveland Browns announced Case Keenum will start at quarterback on Thursday Night Football against the Denver Broncos in replace of the injured Baker Mayfield.
The betting odds were immediately taken off the board at all sportsbooks. Prior to the news, the Browns were a 3-point home favorite, down from the 3.5 opening number.
DraftKings was the first sportsbook to open a new line with the spread remaining at 3, but the Browns available at +100 with Denver juiced to -120. It quickly moved to 2.5 (Browns -115). FanDuel and BetMGM opened the line at 3 with differing prices.
Keenum replaced Mayfield, who suffered further damage to an already-injured left shoulder against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. He completed one of his three attempts for one yard. He made two appearances in 2020, but played in 10 games for the Washington Football Team in 2019. He's played in 71 games across nine seasons.
Mayfield was already a stretch for fantasy lineups this week, ranked No. 21 for quarterbacks prior to the change by our fantasy experts. Keenum will likely be just a streaming option or deep replacement in two-quarterback leagues.
There could be an impact on the Browns receivers and running backs, though. Starting running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are already out, making Demetric Felton and D'Ernest Johnson the waiver wire darlings of the week.
In addition, Odell Beckham Jr. is dealing with a Grade 3 AC joint sprain, according to Josina Anderson. His status is up in the air, as is Jarvis Landry who is hoping to return from a knee injury this week.
We turn to The Action Network fantasy analyst Samantha Previte for more on the impact Mayfield's absence will have on Cleveland's players from a fantasy football standpoint.
Samantha Previte Fantasy Analysis
Odell Beckham Jr. is banged up, so I'm not starting him with Keenum. I'd still consider Landry — if he plays — since he's more of a short-yardage player. Donovan peoples-Jones was a popular waiver add after a monster game in Week 6, but I'm passing this week. He's really a dart throw at best.
I don't think the news changes much for D'Ernest Johnson or Demetric Felton, who are subbing in at running back for the injured Chubb and Hunt.
