When Shedeur Sanders takes the snap at Allegiant Stadium on November 24, 2025, it won’t just be his first NFL start — it’ll be a make-or-break moment for two franchises teetering on the edge of irrelevance. The Cleveland Browns visit the Las Vegas Raiders in a Week 12 clash that could reshape their seasons, their draft futures, and even the jobs of their head coaches. And it all hinges on a 21-year-old rookie who’s never thrown a pass in a regular-season game.
First Start, High Stakes
Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, was thrust into the starting role after Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 9. The decision wasn’t made lightly — Kevin Stefanski, the Browns’ head coach, spent days reviewing game tape, consulting with offensive coordinators, and even meeting privately with Sanders to gauge his readiness. The result? A quiet confidence. "He’s not nervous," one source close to the team told reporters. "He’s just ready. Like he’s been waiting for this since he was 12."
But the Raiders aren’t just any opponent. Their defense, ranked 22nd in the league, has been exposed by top-tier offenses — think the Chiefs, Bills, and Chargers — but held firm against weaker units like the Bengals and Broncos. "They’re solid against bad offenses and they are lackluster against good offenses," wrote SilverandBlackPride.com on November 21. "So this week, Las Vegas could be in business." That’s the gamble: Is Sanders good enough to make them look bad?
The Hot Seat Meter
On November 21, Mike Renner and JP Acosta broke down the game on CBS Sports HQ, zeroing in on the coaching hot seats. Stefanski, in his sixth season, is under pressure after a 4-6 start and a string of offensive failures. His play-calling has drawn criticism from fans and analysts alike. "If the Browns lose this one and fall to 4-7," Acosta said during their 11-minute, 28-second segment, "the whispers become screams."
Meanwhile, Pete Carroll, in his first year with the Raiders after a legendary run in Seattle, is facing skepticism from within the organization. A 5-5 record sounds respectable — until you realize the Raiders have lost three games by a combined 12 points. Their offense is stagnant, their special teams erratic. "Carroll’s legacy is on the line," said Eric Allen, former NFL cornerback and Raiders legend, during a Raiders.com segment hosted by Amber Theoharis. "He didn’t come here to rebuild. He came here to win now."
Who Holds the Keys?
The Browns’ offense has been a mess, but their defense? That’s their lifeline. Ranked 11th in points allowed, they’ve forced 14 turnovers this season — tied for fifth in the NFL. Maxx Crosby, their star defensive end, has 10.5 sacks and has become a nightmare for opposing tackles. "If he gets pressure," noted Acosta at the 0:09:44 timestamp of the CBS segment, "it doesn’t matter if Sanders is green. The game gets won by the defense."
For the Raiders, the spotlight falls on Derek Carr, who’s been playing through a painful ankle injury. He’s thrown just five touchdowns in his last four games and has been sacked 17 times in that span. His backup, Jimmy Garoppolo, is a veteran but hasn’t started a game since 2023. If Carr can’t go, the Raiders’ chances plummet.
Draft Implications: A Domino Effect
Win or lose, this game could echo into the 2026 NFL Draft. The Browns currently hold the 14th pick; the Raiders are at 17th. A Browns win pushes them closer to a playoff push — and away from top-10 territory. A Raiders win? That could vault them into the top 10, especially if they win out. "This isn’t just about this week," said JP Acosta at the 0:03:06 timestamp. "It’s about who gets the first shot at the next generational QB."
And that’s the real subtext: Sanders isn’t just playing for his team. He’s playing for his future. A strong debut could vault him into next year’s top-10 conversation. A disastrous one? He might be back on the bench before January.
What the Experts Are Saying
Acosta didn’t hold back: "JPo thinks the Browns are going to win this game." His reasoning? "The Browns’ defense is better, more disciplined. Sanders doesn’t have to be perfect — he just has to not lose it. And the Raiders? They’ll crack under pressure."
But SilverandBlackPride.com countered: "If the Browns’ offensive line can’t protect Sanders, Carr’s defense will feast. The Raiders win in a low-scoring slugfest, 17-13."
Meanwhile, Raiders.com analysts Allen and Jones emphasized discipline. "Shedeur’s got arm talent," Allen said. "But he’s never played in a dome with 65,000 fans screaming his name. That’s a different kind of pressure."
What’s Next?
The game kicks off on Sunday, November 24, 2025, at 4:25 PM ET. If Sanders survives, the Browns might have a spark. If he falters, the questions about the franchise’s direction will grow louder. And if the Raiders win? Carroll’s job might be safe — but only for now.
The twist? This isn’t just a game. It’s a turning point — for a rookie, two coaches, and two franchises clinging to hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Shedeur Sanders starting instead of Deshaun Watson?
Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury during Week 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, forcing the Browns to turn to rookie Shedeur Sanders. Despite Sanders’ lack of NFL experience, the coaching staff believes his mobility and arm talent offer a better chance to spark the offense than veteran backup Jacoby Brissett.
How could this game affect the 2026 NFL Draft order?
A Browns win would push them toward a .500 record and likely keep them outside the top 10 picks, while a Raiders loss could drop them into the top 10 if they finish 6-10 or worse. The draft order could shift dramatically — especially if either team wins their remaining games and becomes a playoff contender.
Is Kevin Stefanski really on the hot seat?
Yes. After five straight seasons without a playoff win and a 4-6 start in 2025, Browns ownership has grown impatient. Internal reports suggest a win against the Raiders is the minimum threshold for Stefanski to retain his job through next season. A loss could trigger a coaching search as early as January.
What’s the biggest matchup to watch in this game?
The battle between Browns defensive end Maxx Crosby and Raiders left tackle Trent Brown. Crosby has 10.5 sacks this season; Brown has allowed 8 pressures in his last three games. If Crosby dominates, Sanders won’t need to be perfect — the Browns will win on defense.
Why does this game matter for Pete Carroll?
Carroll was brought in to revive the Raiders’ franchise, not to rebuild it. After a 5-5 start, the team’s lack of offensive rhythm and inconsistent play-calling have raised eyebrows. A loss to a struggling Browns team could signal that Carroll’s system isn’t working in Las Vegas — and that his tenure may be shorter than expected.
What’s the predicted outcome of the game?
Sports analysts are split. JP Acosta of CBS Sports predicts a Browns win, 24-20, citing defensive dominance and Sanders’ composure. But Raiders insiders and analysts at SilverandBlackPride.com lean toward a 17-13 Raiders victory, betting on Cleveland’s offensive line collapsing under pressure. The truth? It’ll come down to who makes fewer mistakes.