Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Shedeur Sanders limited mistakes, took what the Las Vegas Raiders gave him and became the first Cleveland Browns quarterback to win his first start with the franchise since 1995.

That's enough for head coach Kevin Stefanski to keep the rookie as his starter. Sanders avoided the drive-killing sacks that derailed his preseason and his 2025 regular season debut in Week 11. Though the rookie completed only 55 percent of his passes, he was able to lean on a limited store of playmakers to carry the day against one of the league's worst teams. Nearly half his completions came behind the line of scrimmage, but that didn't matter with guys like Harold Fannin Jr. and Dylan Sampson ready to explode upfield.

Even with former QB1 Dillon Gabriel clear to return from the NFL's concussion protocol, Stefanski is rolling with the hot -- or at least warm -- hand.

"Obviously, the No. 1 job of the quarterback is to win, so excited to get that first win under his belt," Stefanski said when explaining his decision. "The next thing is improvement. And that's what young players do, certainly young quarterbacks do you get one game better and that's just from working at it."

Sanders could pleasantly surprise again in Week 13. He topped the league's 22nd-ranked passing defense in his first start and will get a chance against No. 29 when Cleveland returns home for a date with the San Francisco 49ers Sunday afternoon.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why Shedeur Sanders, not Dillon Gabriel, is Browns' starting QB again

Reporting by Christian D'Andrea, For The Win / For The Win

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