Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will get another opportunity under center this week as the Cleveland Browns prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers. Sanders, who delivered a poised and promising performance in his first NFL start against the Las Vegas Raiders, has earned the confidence of head coach Kevin Stefanski and his teammates heading into Week 13.
In Cleveland’s 24–10 win over Las Vegas, Sanders completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. His ability to stretch the field, stay composed under pressure, and keep the offense moving helped the Browns snap a three-game losing streak. The victory also made him the first Browns rookie quarterback to win his debut start in three decades — a milestone that turned heads across the league.
Despite the encouraging performance, Sanders has made it clear he is far from satisfied. Speaking earlier this week, the rookie emphasized that he’s “not comfortable,” noting that he understands how quickly roles can change in the NFL. His focus, he said, is on refining his timing, reducing turnovers, and making better decisions as he prepares for his next challenge.
That challenge will be significant. The 49ers, though dealing with defensive injuries, remain one of the league’s most disciplined and physically imposing units. For Sanders, the matchup represents more than just another start — it’s an opportunity to prove he can sustain momentum, lead long drives, and execute against a playoff-caliber opponent.
Coaches and analysts agree: if Sanders continues to show confidence and progress, Cleveland may consider extending his run as the starter for the remainder of the season. His combination of arm talent, mobility, and calm under pressure gives the Browns a spark they’ve been missing.
For now, the rookie’s journey continues Sunday night, where another strong performance could cement his place in Cleveland’s future.
