Browns are set to make crucial decision ahead of Sunday’s game vs. Vikings that will have Brian Flores salivating

This could be a huge game for the defense

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Sep 14, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) drops back to pass during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Peter Casey-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are set to play their second consecutive game in Europe when they take on the Cleveland Browns.

While the Vikings were hoping to have J.J. McCarthy return as their starting quarterback on Sunday, he has yet to return to practice with his high ankle sprain. That means Carson Wentz will get the start again, and the hope is that the offense can take a step forward in his third start.

The Browns are in an interesting position themselves with Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback. Sitting at 1-3, the Browns have struggled thus far on offense. They rank 30th in EPA/dropback and 31st in success rate/dropback.

Browns to start Dillon Gabriel at quarterback

With the struggles on offense, the Browns are making a change at quarterback with rookie third-round pick Dillon Gabriel getting the start.

The Browns selected two quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, taking Gabriel at the end of the third round and Shedeur Sanders from Colorado at the beginning of the fifth round.

Gabriel played college football for the UCF Golden Knights, Oklahoma Sooners, and his final season with the Oregon Ducks. He led the Ducks to an undefeated 13-0 record and a Big Ten title before the College Football Playoff. Unfortunately, they lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the quarterfinals in the Rose Bowl.

Gabriel was a good point guard at Oregon, who navigated the RPO-heavy offense well. Ultimately, his lack of real arm talent became the biggest issue for the Ducks not taking that step forward last season. He is mobile, but not an elite runner.

This is exactly what Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores would be hoping for. His complex scheme thrives against young quarterbacks, and giving him an opponent making his first-ever start is a recipe for destruction.

Sunday morning is primed to be a wild one.

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