Shedeur Sanders takes the start for Cleveland against New Orleans
The Browns rookie quarterback will start in place of Deshaun Watson, who is on the concussion protocol, in a matchup where both teams struggle to score early.
By Scott Marshall ·
Shedeur Sanders will make his first start of the 2026 NFL season on Sunday when the Cleveland Browns host the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome. The rookie quarterback replaces Deshaun Watson, who was placed on the league’s concussion protocol this week and has missed multiple practice sessions.
Cleveland enters the game with a 5-3 record, sitting in third place in the AFC North. The team trails first-place Pittsburgh and second-place Cincinnati by one game. New Orleans holds a 2-5 record but is also one game behind the leader of the NFC South. Saints head coach Kellen Moore said the team sees the division as tightly packed and believes the team can capitalize on the remaining schedule.
"You look at the division, and everyone is right there," Moore said. "Everything is still alive and in front of us. It’s about taking the lessons from the first half, making the necessary adjustments and realizing we’ve got a great opportunity down the stretch if we take care of our business."
Sanders, who posted a 3-4 record as a starter during his rookie year last season, said he has studied a large amount of film on the New Orleans defense. He expressed confidence in his ability to perform against a unit that ranks 28th in the league, allowing 372.7 yards per game. Sanders admitted he is learning to control his public demeanor, noting that a smile from him indicates positive thinking.
"When I smile, just know that means something," Sanders said. "I’m maturing. Like, I could have given a decent answer, but now I’m just going to smile."
Both rosters face a similar challenge regarding early game scoring. The Saints have been outscored 44-6 in the first quarter across their seven games this season. Cleveland holds the worst first-quarter point differential in the NFL, having been outscored 65-13 in opening quarters. Browns head coach Todd Monken acknowledged that winning from behind is not the ideal method but emphasized the team’s ability to adjust over the remaining nine games.
The matchup between Saints wide receiver Chris Olave and Browns cornerback Denzel Ward offers a direct comparison of two former Ohio State first-round picks. Olave leads New Orleans with 49 catches for 636 yards and two touchdowns. Ward leads Cleveland with three interceptions and eight passes defensed. The Saints are currently winless in the Superdome this season, holding a 0-3 home record and a 0-4 record as the designated home team.
Cleveland has not lost two consecutive games this season. Rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston recorded six receptions in Week 8, his career high, and currently leads all rookies in receiving touchdowns with three. The Saints will likely rely on quarterback Tyler Shough, who has thrown a touchdown pass in 10 of his last 11 games.
