Shedeur Sanders Makes NFL Starting Debut Amid Browns’ Struggles and Chiefs’ Desperation
Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season brings a pivotal moment for the Cleveland Browns and their rookie quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, as he prepares to make his first career start against the Las Vegas Raiders. The matchup, set for Sunday at Allegiant Stadium, marks the culmination of a long wait for Sanders, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft and has spent much of the season on the sidelines.
After spending 10 weeks as a backup and making his NFL debut in relief of an injured Dillon Gabriel last week, Sanders now steps into the spotlight for the first time as the Browns’ starting quarterback. The Browns, mired in a disappointing 2-8 season, are hoping Sanders can provide a spark to an offense that has struggled to generate big plays and excitement.
“I think it’s going to be exciting,” Sanders said ahead of the game. “I know a lot of you’all going to be there. I know you can’t miss it. You cannot miss this moment. It’ll be definitely exciting. We going out there with a purpose, going out there mentally ready, no distractions, no anything, and I’ll be excited.”
Sanders’ debut last week against the Baltimore Ravens was far from encouraging. He completed just four of 16 passes for 47 yards, threw an interception, and was sacked twice. However, the Browns are quick to point out that Sanders had limited practice time with the starters and was thrust into a game without a tailored game plan. This week, he has had a full week of practice as the unquestioned starter, and the team is hopeful that his performance will improve significantly.
“We know what it will take to get him ready,” said a Browns source. “He’s not a normal number 2 and that’s just a fact. You know he needs it and know his limitations. The goal is to win and not stick to some industry process. He needs some reps so give him a few.”
The Browns’ faith in Sanders is not unfounded. During the preseason, he showed flashes of brilliance, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Carolina Panthers. However, he also struggled in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams, completing just three of six passes for 14 yards and taking five sacks. The rookie’s uneven play has made him one of the most polarizing draft prospects in recent memory, with some evaluators labeling him as a developmental prospect who needs more time to refine his skills.
Despite the Browns’ struggles, Sanders’ first start is generating significant attention. He will become the 42nd Browns quarterback to start a game in the expansion era, the 13th under head coach Kevin Stefanski, and the 14th Browns rookie since 1999 to try to win his first NFL start. If Sanders can break the trend of losing his first start, he will take a significant step toward living up to his self-ascribed brand as “legendary.”
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs face their own desperation as they prepare for a crucial game against the Indianapolis Colts. A loss would drop the Chiefs to 5-6 and put them in serious danger of missing the playoffs. The Chiefs’ biggest rival for a Wild Card spot, the Jacksonville Jaguars, are playing a 3-7 Arizona team, so a loss could leave the Chiefs two games back (three with the tiebreaker) from the final playoff spot.
As the NFL season reaches its midpoint, the spotlight is firmly on Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns. Whether Sanders can rise to the occasion and lead the Browns to victory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his first start is must-see TV for supporters and detractors alike.