Shedeur Sanders grades: Browns QB solid in win vs. Raiders

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) passes against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada on Nov. 23, 2025.

Shedeur Sanders made his first NFL start in Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders. It gave the fifth-round rookie a good opportunity to bounce back from a lackluster Week 11 debut.

Sanders' debut came amid non-ideal circumstances. He relieved Dillon Gabriel against the Baltimore Ravens after the Oregon product suffered a concussion. Sanders had never taken a first-team rep, by Browns coach Kevin Stefanski's own admission, and one could tell as the Colorado product completed just 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards with an interception.

Sanders was quickly named Cleveland's starter with Gabriel remaining in the NFL's concussion protocol. That allowed him to have a full week of preparation to take on a Raiders defense that was shredded by the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11.

How did Sanders do in his starting debut? USA TODAY Sports is grading Sanders' performance from Cleveland's win against the Raiders.

Grading Shedeur Sanders' first Browns start

Sanders enjoyed a solid first start with the Browns. He wasn't asked to do a ton while leading the Browns to a 24-10 victory, but he flashed his playmaking skills while showing poise throughout the win.

Sanders showed much better pocket presence in his first start than he did against the Ravens. He looked comfortable stepping up in the pocket and maneuvering within it to create throwing lanes. The Colorado product also avoided fading back in the pocket, which prevented him from taking major losses on his sacks, which was a bugaboo of his in his first NFL action and in college.

Sanders also showed an ability to throw on the run, particularly when moving to his right. His best throw of the day – a 53-yard strike to Isaiah Bond that set up the team's second touchdown of the day – came as Sanders escaped right from pressure and managed to feather a perfect touch pass to Bond before the Raiders could get to him.

That 53-yard strike was one of two nice, downfield throws for Sanders. His other was to Jerry Jeudy, who he found wide open over the middle of the field while moving to his right.

Sanders showed great patience waiting to find an open man, and while he couldn't quite hit Jeudy in stride, the veteran receiver was so open it didn't matter. Jeudy was able to generate some yards after the catch before he inexplicably jumped and fumbled the ball away to the Raiders.

Of course, Sanders' first start wasn't without its warts. He threw an interception in the first half where he simply didn't see edge defender Charles Snowden drop into coverage and served it up to him on a silver platter.

Sanders also had a couple of risky throws on the Browns' lone field goal drive of the afternoon. He threw a horizontal dump-off to Dylan Sampson that was nearly undercut and intercepted by Jamal Adams and also overthrew a receiver down the sideline, putting the ball in danger, though a couple of defensive backs couldn't get to them.

Overall, Sanders wasn't as sharp in the second half as he was in the first. Still, it didn't prove costly for the Browns, as they built enough of a lead that they didn't have to worry about putting the game in his hands often down the stretch.

Ultimately, Sanders did what was asked of him. He was steady, had just one turnover and, more impressively, was sacked just once for a loss of three yards. That's enough to earn him an above-average grade, even if his showing wasn't spectacular.

Shedeur Sanders first start grade: B-

Shedeur Sanders stats vs. Raiders

Below is a look at Sanders' stats from his first NFL start: