The range of outcomes for Shedeur Sanders as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday is very wide. The betting odds are not optimistic for the Browns, but some analysts believe Sanders is in line for an impressive performance.
A big game could reignite talk of a quarterback controversy, even though NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport has already shut that down. But it could come up in the weeks ahead if Sanders does play well and Watson struggles at some point.
Former Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry is making a bold Sanders prediction, saying that he could set the stage for the future with a good performance.
“Cleveland fans have been waiting to see Shedeur in this element since training camp. Now you get your opportunity. I don’t think that this puts Deshaun Watson on the bench, but at the same time, we’ll see. Maybe this is the answer to the future if Shedeur steps in and does well this week,” Landry said.
Jarvis Landry says Shedeur Sanders could be Cleveland's QB of the future if Deshaun Watson stays out 👀 Leonard Fournette could NOT believe he said it #NFL #Browns #sports pic.twitter.com/BYT2rpD1Gp
— Juice And Lenny Clips (@juicelennyclips) November 7, 2026
One of the strongest arguments in favor of making Sanders the starter in the first place was that it would give the Browns an extended look at his potential to be the QB of the future for the franchise. Head coach Todd Monken took a win-now approach instead, and it paid off with Watson getting Cleveland off to one of the best starts in franchise history.
Watson has had many positive moments, including five game-winning drives and his first two 300-yard games with the Browns. But he is also ranked as one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL using QBR or Pro Football Focus grades.
So there may have been an opening for Sanders to get some playing time even before Watson entered concussion protocol this week. Now, after Watson was unable to practice with the first team, that opportunity has arrived for Sanders.
Cleveland won three of his seven starts as a rookie last year, and the fifth-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft showed some playmaking ability at times. But he also struggled with taking sacks and throwing interceptions, so it will be interesting to see if he has cleaned up those aspects of his game.
The Browns have not lost two games in a row this season, and Sanders will try to get them back on track with a victory on Sunday.
NEXT: Browns Get Major Deshaun Watson Update On Saturday
