After a road win against the Raiders, the Browns will roll with rookie Shedeur Sanders vs. the 49ers.
The Shedeur Sanders haters, faders, and doubters have gotten the news that Shedeur Sanders will start again at home versus the 49ers this week. Sanders, in tandem with Cleveland’s stout defense delivered a win on Sunday.
Sanders passed for 209 yards and a touchdown while the Myles Garrett led defense came away with 10 sacks on Geno Smith. While there are many holes to his game, Sanders did put some good things on tape. While he isn’t in must start territory, Sanders is worth picking up in superflex redraft leagues as another victory may buy him some time as the Browns starting quarterback. When Dillon Gabriel returns healthy, expect Sanders to have to look over his shoulder for every misstep. The beauty for Sanders is that he has the vantage point of being on the field vs. holding the clipboard.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel ...
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (concussion) has...
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (concussion) ...
The Browns will have Shedeur Sanders starting at quarterback against the Raiders.
Dillon Gabriel remains in concussion protocol and Shedeur Sanders will get the start. The Browns are 2-8 in a Spider-Man meme match with the 2-8 Las Vegas Raiders.
While much has been made of Sanders’ drastic fall through the NFL draft process to starting the season buried on the Browns depth chart, he now gets a chance to prove himself as a starter in the NFL. As the process has not been linear for Sanders, expect there to be volatile output facing the Raiders. Fire up the Raiders defense as a streaming play in Week 12.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
To the surprise of no one, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson gets placed on the PUP list.
Deshaun Watson missed the final 10 games of the NFL season in 2024 after he suffered a ruptured achilles in week 7 versus the Cincinnati Bengals. While Watson isn’t expected back anytime soon, being placed on the PUP list is one formal step closer to being officially out for the 2025 season.
The Browns have been no stranger to controversy during Watson’s tenure as his off the field behavior is well documented. The only controversy (for now) as it relates to quarterback for the Browns is who will be the starter come week 1. Joe Flacco has the veteran advantage and is the early favorite to begin the season as the Browns starter.
The Browns confused many in taking two quarterbacks in the NFL Draft. Dillon Gabriel (Oregon) was selected in round 3 while Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) was taken in round 5. Sanders plummeted in the draft so hard that some have questioned the sincerity of the pick as it relates to the Browns team building plans. If none of the aforementioned quarterbacks succeed, the Browns can always fall back on Steelers cast-off Kenny Pickett. Browns fans would be wise to keep their refrigerators full this season.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
Dillon Gabriel from Oregon was the choice for the Browns late on day 3.
Gabriel being picked may have been somewhat over shadowed because who wasn’t selected there. But he has to be happy with the opportunity he has ahead of him.
A young man with great tools but only really lacking the height. Gabriel will have a chance to compete for the starting role straight away in a QB room full of questions. With an aging Joe Flacco and a player relegated to last year backup in Kenny Pickett.
Author Scott Riley
Dillon Gabriel 2025 NFL Draft Profile: Senior Bowl Preview
Dillon Gabriel, a 6’0″, 200-pound quarterback, has had a solid college career, but his path to the 2025 NFL Draft comes with some uncertainties. After transferring from Oklahoma to Oregon, Gabriel put up over 3,000 passing yards and 30 touchdowns in 2023. He’s known for his accuracy, timing, and ability to extend plays with his legs. However, he’s not the biggest or strongest quarterback, and his arm strength is a concern, especially when it comes to pushing the ball downfield. At 25 years old, Gabriel’s experience is a plus, but his age could hurt his draft stock, as teams may be wary of developing a quarterback who’s already on the older side.
As Gabriel heads into the Senior Bowl and Combine, NFL teams will be closely watching his ability to handle tight coverage and his deep-ball consistency. His ability to stay calm under pressure and make accurate throws in short-to-intermediate areas will be key. Gabriel’s athleticism makes him a fit for a quick-passing offense, but his lack of elite arm strength and deep-ball accuracy could limit his upside. He’s most likely to project as a 3rd-stringer or a practice squad QB, best suited for a team that values decision-making and accuracy over physical traits. Gabriel’s performance in the next few weeks will determine whether he secures a Day 3 pick or goes undrafted.
Author: Mike Lindberg (@FFCanuck99)
