Dillon Gabriel's starting debut for the Browns in London against the Vikings

Dillon Gabriel's starting debut for the Browns in London against the Vikings. In a bold move to revitalize their stagnant offense, the Cleveland Browns announced that rookie Dillon Gabriel will start at quarterback in his first NFL start during the Week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings, scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. This decision comes after a crushing 34-10 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 4, which left the Browns with a 1-3 record and the second-worst scoring offense in the league (14 points per game). Veteran Joe Flacco, who struggled with a 58.1% completion rate, just 2 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions (second-most in the NFL), becomes the backup, while fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders remains at QB3.

Background on the trade: Selected in the third round (94th pick) of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Oregon, Gabriel has shown flashes in limited appearances: he completed 3 of 4 passes for 19 yards and a touchdown in two games as a reliever. His extensive college experience (UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon, with an FBS record of 189 total touchdowns) and his left foot make him a long-term development option for a team that has had 41 starting quarterbacks since his return in 1999, the highest in the league. Coach Kevin Stefanski praised his preparation: "He's worked hard, he's smart, and he's ready for the pace of the NFL." However, this debut will be historic and challenging: Gabriel will be the first QB to begin his professional career outside of the United States.

Gabriel's challenges in his debut: He'll face a Vikings (2-2) defense coached by Brian Flores, which has been relentless against rookies (5-0 since Flores' arrival) and leads the league in defensive EPA/Play, with a 37.4% blitz percentage (third-highest). The Vikings, playing their second straight game in Europe after a loss in Dublin, will have Carson Wentz at quarterback, but their offense will be dealing with an injury-ravaged offensive line. For the Browns, the key will be protecting Gabriel (5'11"), who makes up for his weak arm with mobility to evade pressure, supported by rookie RB Quinshon Judkins and receivers Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku (Cedric Tillman is out due to injury). Cleveland's defense, elite in yards per play allowed, could keep the game close, with the over/under at 35.5 points, its lowest of the week.