Shedeur Sanders Gets the Spotlight as Browns Look Toward the Future
The Cleveland Browns are leaning into the future, and that future-at least for now-is wearing No. 2. With three games left in the regular season, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is getting the keys to the offense and a chance to show he can be more than just a developmental project.
Sanders has already logged four starts this season, going 1-3 in those games. The record doesn’t tell the whole story, though. Like most rookie quarterbacks, Sanders has had his moments-some that flash the talent that made him a star in college, and others that show just how steep the NFL learning curve can be.
Last week was one of those “welcome to the league” moments. Against a tough Chicago Bears defense, Sanders had his roughest outing as a pro.
He finished the game without a touchdown and threw three interceptions-his first multi-pick game in the NFL. It was also the first time he’s started and failed to find the end zone, a stat that underscores just how much of a grind it was for Cleveland’s offense that day.
But the NFL doesn’t wait around, and neither does the schedule. This week, Sanders and the Browns face another heavyweight in the Buffalo Bills-a team that’s not just playoff-bound, but surging at the right time. The Bills come into this matchup eyeing the AFC East crown and playing some of their best football of the season.
For Sanders, it’s another chance to test himself against one of the league’s most battle-tested defenses. Buffalo’s unit is loaded with experience and has been in the thick of playoff football for the better part of the last five years. If Sanders is going to prove he has what it takes to be the long-term answer under center in Cleveland, games like this are where he can start to build that case.
The Browns coaching staff clearly wants to see what they’ve got in Sanders before heading into an offseason full of questions. And while the numbers haven’t always been pretty, the reps are invaluable. Every snap against a defense like Buffalo’s is a chance for Sanders to grow-whether it’s learning to read disguised coverages, handling pressure, or simply building chemistry with his receivers.
Cleveland fans will be watching closely, not just for the final score, but for signs that Sanders is trending in the right direction. Can he bounce back from a tough outing?
Can he limit mistakes and move the offense with rhythm and confidence? Those are the boxes he’ll be looking to check on Sunday.
The Browns host the Bills at Huntington Bank Stadium, with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m. ET.
The game will be broadcast on CBS, with Ian Eagle and J.J. Watt on the call.
For those streaming, Fubo has you covered.
As the game unfolds, we’ll be tracking Sanders’ performance-his completions, yardage, touchdowns, and how he handles one of the NFL’s most seasoned defenses. It’s a big moment for the rookie, and potentially a telling one for the Browns’ future at quarterback.
Week 16 NFL Schedule Highlights:
- Thursday, Dec. 18: Rams vs.
Seahawks
- **Saturday, Dec.
20:**
- Eagles vs.
Commanders - 5 p.m. ET (Fox, Fubo)
- Packers vs. Bears - 8:20 p.m.
ET (Fox, Fubo)
- **Sunday, Dec.
21:**
- Bills vs.
Browns - 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Fubo)
- Chargers vs. Cowboys - 1 p.m.
ET (Fox, Fubo)
- Chiefs vs.
Titans - 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Fubo)
- Bengals vs. Dolphins - 1 p.m.
ET (CBS, Fubo)
- Jets vs.
Saints - 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Fubo)
- Vikings vs. Giants - 1 p.m.
ET (Fox, Fubo)
- Buccaneers vs.
Panthers - 1 p.m. ET (Fox, Fubo)
- Jaguars vs. Broncos - 4:05 p.m.
ET (Fox, Fubo)
- Falcons vs.
Cardinals - 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox, Fubo)
- Steelers vs. Lions - 4:25 p.m.
ET (CBS, Fubo)
- Raiders vs.
Texans - 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS, Fubo)
- Patriots vs. Ravens - 8:20 p.m.
ET (NBC, Peacock)
- **Monday, Dec.
22:** TBD
Keep it locked here for live updates and analysis as Sanders takes the field against one of the league’s toughest defenses. Whether it’s a breakout or another bump in the road, every snap matters in the Browns’ quarterback evaluation process.