Shedeur Sanders Leads Browns to 24-10 Win Over Raiders in First Career Start

When Shedeur Sanders took the snap under center at Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025, no one expected the Cleveland Browns to win — let alone by 14 points. But the fifth-round pick, son of Deion Sanders, didn’t just play. He led his team to a 24-10 upset over the Las Vegas Raiders, becoming the first Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback to win his first start since Vinny Testaverde did it in 1995. The win ended a 17-game losing streak for Browns QBs in their debut starts — a drought longer than most current fans have been alive.

The Defense Carried the Load — and Then Some

Let’s be clear: Sanders didn’t need to be Tom Brady to win this game. He didn’t need to be perfect. What he needed was time — and the Cleveland Browns defense delivered more than time. They delivered chaos. Ten sacks. Ten. Myles Garrett had three. Maliek Collins added 2.5. Devin Bush, Cameron Thomas, and Isaiah McGuire each chipped in one. The Raiders’ quarterback, Aidan O'Connell, looked like a man running from a swarm of hornets. He never settled. He never breathed.

The offense? It was efficient, not explosive. Sanders completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown, one interception. He was sacked just once. That’s not gaudy. But it’s enough when your defense is suffocating. And when your running backs are making plays like Quinshon Judkins did — two first-quarter touchdowns, including one set up by a 52-yard bomb to Isaiah Bond that nearly went for six. The game’s exclamation point? A 66-yard screen pass to Dylan Sampson in the fourth quarter. That put the game away at 24-3.

A Father’s Presence, a Son’s Poise

Before the game, Shedeur Sanders walked into the same stadium where he’d stood just a year earlier — not in cleats, but in a suit, at Big 12 Media DayAllegiant Stadium, with his dad, Deion Sanders, then the head coach at the University of Colorado. Back then, he was a college star with a celebrity father. Now? He was an NFL rookie, under pressure, in front of a national audience.

"Has it changed? I’m not gonna lie, I felt very relaxed," Sanders said after the game. "Half of that comes from preparing, studying and knowing I got God on my side. So throughout all that, I had no worries. I didn’t feel nervous or anything before the game."

His dad, Deion Sanders, watched from the stands — no sideline, no headset, just a father. No coaching. No commentary. Just pride.

From Fifth Round to Franchise Hope

Here’s the twist: Shedeur Sanders was projected as a top-10 pick. He was a Heisman Trophy candidate in 2024. He led Colorado to a 10-win season. Yet, he slipped to the fifth round. Why? Teams questioned his decision-making under pressure. His arm strength. His consistency. Even his ability to read complex NFL defenses.

Then came the injury to Dillon Gabriel — the Browns’ other rookie QB — after a concussion in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens. Sanders got his chance in relief. His debut? "Rough," as coaches put it. Two turnovers. A fumble. A missed read.

But Sunday? Different. He didn’t try to do too much. He trusted his offensive line. He trusted his defense. He trusted his preparation. And when the moment came, he delivered.

What Comes Next for the Browns?

Now, head coach Kevin Stefanski and the Browns’ front office face their biggest decision of the season: Do they keep Sanders as the starter? Or do they roll back to Gabriel if he recovers?

There’s no easy answer. Gabriel has more upside — more mobility, more arm talent. But Sanders has something Gabriel hasn’t shown: poise under fire. Composure in a hostile environment. A quiet confidence that doesn’t need stats to prove itself.

The Browns are now 6-6 after this win, with nine games left. They’re still in the playoff hunt. But they’re no longer just hoping for a miracle. They’ve got a quarterback who just proved he belongs — not because he threw for 300 yards, but because he didn’t break when the pressure rose.

Why This Matters Beyond Cleveland

This isn’t just about one team. It’s about how we judge talent. Shedeur Sanders was dismissed by many because he didn’t fit the mold — not because he couldn’t play. He’s the son of a legend, yes. But he’s also a kid who spent his offseason studying film, not Instagram reels. He didn’t have a flashy combine. He didn’t have a viral highlight reel. He had grit.

And now, he’s the first Browns rookie QB to win a debut since 1995. That’s not luck. That’s legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Shedeur Sanders perform compared to other rookie QBs in NFL history?

Sanders’ debut was statistically modest — 209 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT — but his efficiency under pressure stood out. Only three rookie QBs since 2000 have won their first start with fewer than 220 passing yards and no more than one interception: Sanders, Russell Wilson (2012), and Joe Flacco (2008). What sets him apart is the defensive support: 10 sacks is the most by a team in a rookie QB’s debut since 2000.

Why did Shedeur Sanders fall to the fifth round despite being a Heisman candidate?

Despite his 2024 Heisman campaign at Colorado, scouts questioned his arm strength under duress and decision-making in complex coverages. His 2024 interception rate (11 in 12 games) raised red flags, and some teams worried his success was tied to his father’s system. The Browns, however, saw discipline, film study, and mental toughness — traits they believed could translate to the NFL.

What’s the significance of the Browns’ 17-game losing streak for rookie QBs?

Since Vinny Testaverde’s 1995 debut win, 17 different Browns quarterbacks have started their first NFL game — and all lost. Some were drafted high (Johnny Manziel, 2014). Others were undrafted (Josh McCown, 2001). The streak became a symbol of Cleveland’s quarterback curse. Sanders didn’t just break it — he did it on the road, against a division rival, with a defense carrying the load. That’s historic.

How did the Browns’ defense contribute to Sanders’ success?

The defense didn’t just help — it dictated the game. With 10 sacks and three forced turnovers, they gave Sanders short fields and kept the Raiders’ offense off the field. The Raiders averaged just 2.8 yards per play on first down. That’s not just good defense — that’s game management. Sanders didn’t have to carry the team. He just had to not lose it.

Will Deion Sanders’ presence influence Shedeur’s future with the Browns?

No — and that’s the point. Deion Sanders wasn’t coaching. He wasn’t in the locker room. He was just a father in the stands. The Browns’ front office made this decision based on film, not fame. That’s why this win matters: it proves Shedeur can stand on his own. His father’s legacy opened doors, but his performance closed them behind him.

What’s next for Shedeur Sanders and the Browns?

Sanders is expected to start in Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with Dillon Gabriel still recovering from his concussion. If he performs well, the Browns may commit to him for the rest of the season — and possibly beyond. With nine games left, this isn’t just a one-game wonder. It’s the beginning of a potential franchise quarterback’s journey.