Shedeur Sanders Makes NFL Debut as Browns Face Raiders in Win-and-Stay-Alive Matchup
The Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders are set to meet on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, in a game that feels less like a rivalry and more like a salvage operation. Both teams sit at 2-8, their seasons hanging by a thread, but the real story isn’t the record—it’s the debut. Shedeur Sanders, the 21-year-old son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, will make his first NFL start under center for Cleveland, replacing the benched Dillon Gabriel. The move isn’t just a change in personnel—it’s a gamble on the future, and the Raiders, despite their own struggles, are favored by 3 points.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
The Browns have lost three straight, their offense sputtering like a car with a bad fuel pump. They’ve scored fewer than 17 points in each of their last four games. Head coach Kevin Stefanski, once hailed as a steady hand, now finds himself on the hot seat, with fans and analysts alike questioning whether his conservative play-calling has stifled the team’s potential. Meanwhile, the Raiders, under Pete Carroll, have lost four in a row, their offense ranked dead last in the league in scoring (15.5 points per game) and rushing (81.4 yards per game). Geno Smith, their 34-year-old veteran starter, has been playing through a barrage of sacks—27 in the last five games alone—and the offensive line has become a liability, not a shield.
Shedeur Sanders: Hope or Hype?
Here’s the thing: Sanders hasn’t played a single snap in the NFL. He was a star at Colorado, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns last season, but the jump from college to the NFL is brutal—especially for a rookie quarterback with a thin supporting cast. The Action Network’s analyst put it bluntly: “Dillon Gabriel has been one of the three worst quarterbacks in the NFL this season, but there’s a reason Gabriel was in there.” Translation: Sanders isn’t ready. Not yet. And the Raiders know it. Their defense, while not elite, has shown flashes of disrupting young QBs. Myles Garrett, Cleveland’s All-Pro defensive end, will be salivating. The Raiders have allowed 27 sacks in the last five games. Garrett’s name was mentioned in every preview segment—because this matchup could be his coming-out party.
Analysts Are Divided
The predictions? A mess. Pete Prisco of CBS Sports predicts a 20-17 Browns win, citing Sanders’ arm talent and the Raiders’ porous pass defense. FOX Sports, meanwhile, forecasts a 21-19 Raiders victory and recommends betting on the Browns +3.5. The Action Network, the most bearish on Sanders, is all-in on Las Vegas covering the -3.5 spread, warning of “short fields, turnovers, and lots of sacks.” Even the over/under is a coin flip: 36.5 points, with the over at -102 and the under at -118. No one agrees on the score, but everyone agrees on one thing: this game won’t be pretty.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Win-Loss Column
This isn’t just about pride. It’s about draft position. With both teams at 2-8, the loser of this game will likely drop further in the 2026 NFL Draft order—potentially into the top five. That’s franchise-altering. For Cleveland, a win could buy Stefanski another year. For Las Vegas, it could be the spark Carroll needs to avoid a full-scale rebuild. But if Sanders throws two interceptions and gets sacked five times? The criticism will be deafening. And if Smith throws a late touchdown to put the Raiders up by four? The Browns’ offseason will be a dumpster fire.
Key Matchup: Garrett vs. The Raiders’ O-Line
The most telling indicator of this game might be how long Geno Smith stays upright. The Raiders’ offensive line has given up 32 sacks this season—worst in the NFL. Their center, Max Osborne, has been a consistent weak link. And Garrett? He’s on a 7-sack tear over the last four games. If he gets consistent pressure, Smith won’t have time to find his receivers. And if Smith can’t get the ball out? Sanders will be forced into a mistake-prone, high-pressure environment. That’s a recipe for disaster—for the Browns’ offense, and for Sanders’ confidence.
What’s Next?
After the game, Geno Smith is scheduled to address the media, per Raiders.com. What he says will matter. If he’s upbeat, it’s a sign the Raiders still believe. If he’s frustrated? That’s a red flag. Meanwhile, the Browns’ front office will be watching Sanders’ poise under pressure—not just his stats. Did he make smart decisions? Did he avoid forced throws? Did he show leadership? Those are the real metrics.
Why This Game Matters More Than the Record
Both teams are bad. But this game is about identity. The Raiders are trying to figure out if they can win with Smith as their bridge to the future. The Browns are betting everything on Sanders as their future. One of them will leave Allegiant Stadium with a win. The other? They’ll leave with more questions than answers. And in a league where quarterbacks define eras, this might be the day the Browns either found their guy—or lost their way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Shedeur Sanders starting over Dillon Gabriel?
The Browns benched Gabriel after he posted a 58.4 passer rating in Week 11 and threw four interceptions in his last three games. Front office sources say they’re prioritizing long-term development over short-term results, even if it means risking a blowout. Sanders’ arm strength and mobility are seen as better fits for the offense’s future scheme, despite his lack of experience.
How bad are the Raiders’ offensive line issues?
The Raiders rank 30th in the NFL in rushing and have allowed 32 sacks this season—the worst in the league. Their center, Max Osborne, has been flagged for holding seven times in the last five games. Geno Smith has been sacked on 9.8% of his dropbacks, the highest rate among qualified starters. Without a solid pocket, even a veteran like Smith can’t succeed.
What does this game mean for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The loser of this game will likely fall to the 5th or 6th overall pick, while the winner might stay at 7th or 8th. That’s the difference between selecting a potential franchise quarterback or a top-tier edge rusher. With both teams needing a long-term solution, this isn’t just a win-or-lose game—it’s a draft-position coin flip.
Is Myles Garrett healthy enough to dominate?
Garrett played through a minor ankle sprain in Week 11 but was cleared for full participation. He’s recorded 7 sacks in his last four games and has been a constant threat to opposing QBs. If he’s healthy, he’ll be the single biggest factor in this game—especially against a Raiders line that’s allowed 11 sacks in the last two weeks.
What’s the betting value here?
The over/under of 36.5 points is the most compelling bet. Both offenses are terrible, but both defenses are vulnerable to big plays. The Raiders’ defense has allowed 25+ points in seven straight games. The Browns’ defense, while better, has given up 20+ points in six of their last seven. Expect a sloppy, turnover-filled game—but enough scoring to push the total over.
Will Pete Carroll get fired if the Raiders lose again?
Not immediately. Carroll’s contract runs through 2026, and the Raiders’ front office still believes in his leadership. But another loss would intensify pressure, especially with rumors swirling about potential coaching changes. If they drop to 2-9, the organization will likely begin exploring alternatives—especially if Sanders thrives in Cleveland and becomes a breakout star.
