Browns name Watson Week 1 starter; Sanders is backup

Cleveland opens the season with two road games.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 241 min read

Shedeur Sanders is the backup. Via @RapSheet on X

What happened: Watson entered camp as the favorite and split first-team work with Sanders during the preseason. Cleveland finalized the order two days after its 31-7 preseason loss.

Why it matters: The decision settles the offense’s hierarchy before the regular season. Sanders, who found Floriea for a preseason touchdown Saturday, remains in a developmental role entering his second NFL season.

By the numbers: Sanders completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards with one interception Saturday. Watson went 5 of 12 for 36 yards with one interception.

What to watch: Cleveland now turns toward preparations for the first of two consecutive road games.

Sources

@RapSheet 2026-08-24T14:10:02.306347+00:00

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