Browns sticking with Shedeur Sanders for Week 13

Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders won his debut start on Sunday, earning a second this week against the San Francisco 49ers.

Cleveland turned to Sanders with rookie third-round pick Dillon Gabriel in concussion protocol and unavailable for Week 12. Sanders completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception to help the Browns defeat the Las Vegas Raiders, 24-10, and snap a three-game losing streak.

“Obviously, the No. 1 job of a quarterback is to win,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday. “So excited to get that first win under his belt. And the next thing is improvement. That’s what young players do. Certainly, young quarterbacks do. You get one game better. And that’s just from working at it. That will be our focus.”

Stefanski said Gabriel has cleared concussion protocol and will be the No. 2 quarterback this week.

With the QB call behind them, the Browns (3-8) get a head start on preparation for the 49ers, who play Monday night against the Carolina Panthers, in pursuit of their third home win of the season. Sunday was Cleveland’s first road win since Week 2 of the 2024 season at Jacksonville.

Cleveland jumped to a 14-0 lead over the Raiders on Sunday. Sanders was not at quarterback — or on the field — when the Browns punched in two touchdowns from the “Wildcat” formation, using rookie running back Quinshon Judkins on direct snap running plays.

Sanders was drafted 50 spots behind Gabriel by the Browns and was at the bottom of the depth chart when the regular season began. The Browns traded Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals and named Gabriel the starter entering Week 5.

–Field Level Media

Browns to start rookie QB Shedeur Sanders vs. Raiders

Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders gets his first career start on Sunday when the Las Vegas Raiders visit Cleveland for a matchup of two-win teams.

Sanders, who made his NFL debut last week, was elevated from the backup spot with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel in concussion protocol. Gabriel went to the locker room after taking a hit in Cleveland’s 23-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last week, forcing Sanders to enter the game in relief.

“Shedeur is going to start at quarterback. Dillon is in concussion protocol, but he is improving,” Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday. “Obviously we’ve got to put a plan together, for all of our guys — offense, defense and special teams — give our guys a chance.”

Sanders becomes the 13th quarterback to start for the Browns in Stefanski’s six seasons. He’s the 42nd starting quarterback for the Browns since they rejoined the NFL in 1999.

He will be at the controls of an offense that is next-to-last in the NFL in total offense (257.3) and passing yards (159.4). The Browns are 29th in the NFL in scoring (16.2 points per game), one spot ahead of the Raiders and Saints, who are tied at 15.5 points per game.

Sanders saw constant blitz pressure from the Ravens last week.

“You want to make sure that all the concepts are things that he feels confident in. Obviously, having been around him over the months, you get a good sense of the things that fit his eyes,” Stefanski said. “So, definitely want to lean into those types of things, and he’s working very hard.”

Gabriel, a third-round pick drafted 50 spots ahead of Sanders in April, became the starter in Week 5, unseating Joe Flacco for the role. He started six games and went 1-5.

Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, prompting Sanders to take on the backup job.

Last week, Sanders went 4-of-16 passing for 49 yards with an interception and was sacked twice in his debut.

He will get “every rep” with the first-team offense in practice this week, Stefanski said. Gabriel is unavailable to practice Wednesday.

Bailey Zappe is the No. 2 quarterback for the Browns this week.

–Field Level Media

Oct 26, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA;  Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) is sacked during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Browns staying the course with QB Dillon Gabriel

Moments after the Cleveland Browns completed their 32-13 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday, head coach Kevin Stefanski affirmed his support for rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

“When you lose like this, you have to look at everything,” Stefanski said. “Every position. Everything I’m doing. Just … it’s frustrating for where we are as a team. So, every position you have to look at.

“But let me say that, with a young quarterback, you know, you understand that there’s going to be ups and downs.”

The Browns dropped to 2-6 overall and 1-3 since Gabriel became the team’s starter in Week 5 as the 24-year-old left-hander completed 21 of 35 passes for 156 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions against the Patriots to finish with a 65.9 passer rating. Perhaps most disturbing about Sunday’s effort: Gabriel threw just two passes in top receiver Jerry Jeudy’s direction and neither was completed.

“We need to do a better job,” Stefanski said. “I need to do a better job. Jerry needs to get the football. We have to do a better job. Variety of reasons (why he didn’t catch any), but it doesn’t matter. We’ve got to get him the ball.”

In four starts and two relief appearances this season, Gabriel has connected on 85 of 142 passes (59.9%) for 702 yards, five scores and two interceptions.

Gabriel and the Browns have a bye week before traveling to face the New York Jets (1-7) in Week 10.

“I just want to make the point that we have to be better in every area,” Stefanski said. “And we’ll look at everything we do, including how we’re putting these guys in position to succeed.

“When I say look at every position, are we doing enough with the quarterback position? Do we need to do a better job? And I think — I know — the answer is yes.”

If Stefanski decides to make a change before facing the Jets, he has his choice of lightly used veteran Bailey Zappe, who has played just one game since 2023, or rookie Shedeur Sanders, who has yet to play in a regular-season game and was inactive Sunday with a back issue.

–Field Level Media

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) takes the field for warm up ahead of the Detroit Lions game at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025.

Reports: Bengals acquiring QB Joe Flacco from Browns

The Cincinnati Bengals are acquiring quarterback Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns, multiple media outlets reported on Tuesday.

Per reports, the Bengals also are picking up a sixth-round pick from the Browns in exchange for a fifth-round pick.

The reported trade comes one day after Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor told reporters that the team would evaluate its options at quarterback given Jake Browning’s considerable troubles since replacing the injured Joe Burrow.

Browning, 29, completed 64.5 percent of his throws for 757 yards with six touchdowns and eight interceptions in four games (three starts) this season for the Bengals (2-3), who have lost three in a row.

The Browns (1-4) turned from Flacco to rookie Dillion Gabriel ahead of last weekend’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Flacco, 40, completed 93 of 160 passes (58.1 percent) for 815 yards and two touchdowns. He has eight turnovers, including six interceptions.

He spent the 2024 season with the Indianapolis Colts after earning NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors with the Browns in 2023.

A Super Bowl XLVII MVP with Baltimore in the 2012 season, Flacco played his first 11 seasons with the Ravens (2008-18) before moving on to the Denver Broncos (2019), New York Jets (2020-22), Browns (2023, 2025) and Colts (2024).

Flacco ranks 12th in NFL history in pass completions (4,259), 13th in attempts (6,911), 16th in yards (46,512) and tied for 22nd in passing touchdowns (259).

Earlier on Tuesday, the Bengals released quarterback Mike White from the practice squad.

White, 30, was signed the Bengals’ practice squad on Sept. 16.

–Field Level Media

Sep 28, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) warms up before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Browns make rookie Dillon Gabriel starter, QB41 since 1999

Before changing continents, the Cleveland Browns are switching quarterbacks.

Rookie third-round pick Dillon Gabriel will start Sunday in London, replacing Joe Flacco as the QB1 for the Browns. Cleveland (1-3) plays the Minnesota Vikings (2-2) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the team is traveling for the Week 5 game on Wednesday.

Gabriel was named the No. 2 quarterback to Flacco on Aug. 26 when the Browns made the expected decision to begin the season with the 40-year-old veteran in the starting role. But Cleveland has 56 total points in four games and hasn’t scored more than 17 in a game this season.

Flacco completed 93 of 160 passes for 815 yards and two touchdowns. He has an NFL-high eight turnovers, including six interceptions.

Gabriel has appeared in two games in mop-up duty. He completed all three of his passes for 19 yards and one TD to running back Dylan Sampson in Week 2 at Baltimore, and was 0 for 1 last week in late-game relief at Detroit.

Minnesota’s defense is a major test for most quarterbacks, no less a rookie making his first career start.

The Vikings run a complex scheme orchestrated by Brian Flores predicated on blitz and coverage disguise that keeps even well-trained vets guessing. Since becoming defensive coordinator of the Vikings, Flores is 4-0 against rookie quarterbacks.

Flacco, described as the most natural thrower in the NFL by Packers coach Matt LaFleur earlier this season, was known for his arm strength and ability to get the ball down the field with ease. He will be the No. 2 QB in London with rookie fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders in the No. 3 role. The fourth quarterback involved in the training camp competition was Kenny Pickett, but the Browns traded him to the Raiders.

Gabriel, 24, is not entirely inexperienced after six seasons in college at UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon. He received a share of the first-team reps in training camp and through the start of the regular season in an early signal the Browns were preparing him for the top role.

In 63 college starts, Gabriel set the FBS record with 189 total touchdowns (155 passing, 33 rushing, one receiving) and is second all-time in passing yards (18,722).

Oregon and Oklahoma operated an up-tempo spread offense with shorter, high-percentage throws than a traditional pro-style scheme. At 5-foot-11, Gabriel does require a quick release and cleaner pass protection than the 6-foot-6 Flacco.

Gabriel will become the 41st quarterback to start for the Browns since Tim Couch in 1999, when the Cleveland franchise returned to the NFL.

A full list of Browns players to make at least one start since 1999:

Tim Couch (59), Baker Mayfield (59), Derek Anderson (34), Colt McCoy (21), Brandon Weeden (20), Charlie Frye (19), Brian Hoyer (16), DeShone Kizer (15), Kelly Holcomb (12), Brady Quinn (12), Deshaun Watson (12), Trent Dilfer (11), Jacoby Brissett (11), Josh McCown (11), Jeff Garcia (10), Joe Flacco (9), Doug Pederson (8), Jason Campbell (8), Johnny Manziel (8), Cody Kessler (8), Seneca Wallace (7), Dorian Thompson-Robinson (5), Robert Griffin III (5), Jake Delhomme (4), Luke McCown (4), Ken Dorsey (3), Tyrod Taylor (3), Ty Detmer (2), Austin Davis (2), Case Keenum (2), P.J. Walker (2), Bailey Zappe (1), Spergon Wynn (1), Bruce Gradkowski (1), Thad Lewis (1), Connor Shaw (1), Kevin Hogan (1), Nick Mullens (1) and Jeff Driskel (1).

–Field Level Media

Aug 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel warms up before action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Browns rookie QB Dillon Gabriel to start vs. Eagles

Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel will start for the Cleveland Browns in Saturday’s preseason game at Philadelphia, the team announced.

Drafted in the third round in April, Gabriel missed the preseason opener with hamstring tightness and returned to practice on Monday.

Fellow rookie signal-caller Shedeur Sanders, who threw two touchdown passes in the Aug. 8 preseason opener at Carolina, will not play against the Eagles due to an oblique injury.

“When it’s a quarterback, you kind of need that muscle to throw,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said of Sanders. “So unfortunately, (it’s) going to put him down for a little bit here. We’ll treat it day to day and see how he responds. But want to be smart because he’s a thrower, so you can’t push that thing.”

Stefanski said veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, 40, is healthy but will not play for the second consecutive week.

With Kenny Pickett working his way back from a hamstring injury and Deshaun Watson likely out for the year with an Achilles injury, that leaves only Gabriel and Tyler Huntley available to take snaps in Philadelphia.

Gabriel was selected 94th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft after putting up big numbers at three college stops: UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon. Still on the board 50 picks later, the Browns chose Sanders to end a well-publicized draft weekend crash from projections of a top-50 draft rating.

Gabriel, 24, said earlier this week that he won’t overthink it if he starts against the reigning Super Bowl champions.

“I try to just stay in the moment. I’ll look forward to that moment once it comes and be right where my feet are,” Gabriel said. “The best competitors know how to stay present and be themselves by competing at a high level one play at a time.”

Gabriel completed 65.2 percent of his passes for 18,722 yards with 155 touchdowns and 32 interceptions across 64 games in college from 2019-24. He rushed for 1,209 yards and 33 scores.

–Field Level Media

Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team quarterback Dillon Gabriel of Oregon (8) works through drills during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Short on height, QB Dillon Gabriel invites NFL to measure results

INDIANAPOLIS — Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel stands on his experience, results and reputation as a winner as NFL doubters point to a glaring shortcoming compared to other pro prospects: height.

Measured at 5-foot-11, Gabriel said he watches a lot of Baker Mayfield film and compares his play to 49ers starter Brock Purdy and Dolphins starter Tua Tagovailoa.

“I’m not for everyone,” Gabriel said. “I challenge everyone just to watch the tape, you see the evolution 2019 until now, the growth I’ve made physically and mentally. Even my throwing motion — you see how polished and how detailed it has been. I’m confident in my tape, whether it’s good or bad, I think you can learn from that and most importantly how I’ve responded.”

Gabriel has been a starting quarterback since he was a freshman at Mililani (Hawaii) High School and in successful college stops at UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon with five seasons of 25-plus TD passes and 3,000-plus passing yards. He had 105 TD passes in four seasons as the varsity starter in high school and was Gatorade National Player of the Year with 38 TD passes as a senior.

“I’m a leader. I’m a winner. I’ve won at all three spots, and I’ve done it in big games,” said Gabriel, a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2024 who had 60 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions in his final two college seasons.

“I want teams to believe I can go out there and win games,” he said. “If a team wants a winner, a franchise leader, they know who to call.”

A Pro Bowl selection coming off of a career year with the Buccaneers in 2024, Mayfield measured 6-0 5/8 at the combine and was the No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray went No. 1 in 2019 despite measuring 5-10 1/8 at the combine.

Gabriel, 24, said he had interviews this week with the Dolphins, Cowboys and Raiders in Indianapolis and has been encouraged with the NFL feedback he has received.

–Field Level Media

Nov 30, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) looks for a receiver during the second half against Washington Huskies cornerback Jordan Shaw (3) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Top 10 player props for college football’s Championship Weekend

There is extra electricity in the air for college football fans. If this weekend’s conference championship games live up to the hype, we are in for some epic football. Fans can turn that excitement up a notch by getting in on the action with some college football player props.

With fewer games, there aren’t as many options to review, but there are still hundreds of player props for your betting pleasure. But which ones should you go with? We’ve got a few ideas. Here’s our list of the top 10 player props for conference championship weekend.

Odds via FanDuel unless otherwise stated:

Big 12: Iowa State vs. Arizona State

Cam Skattebo, O/U 119.5 Rushing Yards at -114/-114; Alt Rushing Yards: 125+ at +102

Iowa State ranks 96th in run defense and has allowed a 100-yard rusher in four of its last six games. Skattebo has been impressive for most of the season, cracking 100+ rushing yards in six of 11 games, including his last two.

He has had 20+ carries in all but three games, and as long as he logs 20+ vs. Iowa State’s questionable run defense, he’ll go OVER his total.

If you aren’t a fan of minus-money odds, consider putting your money on one of his alternate markets. You’ll need to go with 125+ rushing yards to get to plus-money odds. Skattebo has gone over 125 yards six of the eight times he has tallied at least 20 carries. He also went for 150+ yards (+205 odds) in five games.

Rocco Becht, O/U 235.5 Passing Yards at -115/-115 (odds via BetMGM)

Iowa State does not have a good run defense, so the best way the Cyclones can neutralize Skattebo is by throwing their way to an early lead and forcing Arizona State to try to keep up via their own passing game.

Iowa State has been a solid passing team this season, averaging 258 yards per game, 36th in Division I.

Becht threw for OVER 235.5 yards in eight games this season, including six of the last eight. Arizona State has allowed 243.3 passing yards per game in its last three contests, and necessity will push Becht’s total OVER 235.5 yards.

Southeastern Conference: Georgia vs. Texas

Quinn Ewers, O/U 238.5 Passing Yards at -117/-117 (odds via Caesars)

Ewers is a capable passer and has some solid skill position players at his disposal, but he threw for just 211 yards against Georgia on Oct. 19. The last time he notched 238.5+ yards was against Florida on Nov. 9 (333). Of the 10 games he has played in, he went UNDER that mark in six.

Georgia has allowed 196.2 passing yards per game this season, and the Bulldogs have averaged UNDER 200 yards allowed against their last three opponents despite giving up 303 to Georgia Tech last weekend.

Texas will need to throw to beat Georgia, but don’t bank on Ewers going off. Take the UNDER.

Carson Beck, O/U .5 Interceptions at -148/+108 (odds via Caesars)

Beck went through a six-game span in the middle of the season where he struggled with turnovers, throwing all 12 of his interceptions during that stretch, including three picks against Texas.

He hasn’t thrown one in his last three games, but with the Texas pass rush keeping him off balance for most of the day, he’ll throw at least one.
Take the OVER.

Dominic Lovett, O/U 52.5 receiving yards at -114/-114

Texas has the No. 1 pass defense in the country, allowing just 143.7 yards per game. When these teams faced each other in October, the Longhorns held Beck to 175 yards through the air. Of that total, Lovett had 35. In 12 games this season, he’s gone OVER 52.5 just three times and once in his last eight games.

There is no reason to think he’ll do better against the Texas defense this time. Take the UNDER.

Big Ten: Penn State vs. Oregon

Dillon Gabriel, O/U 1.5 Passing Touchdowns at -114/-114

Gabriel has thrown a touchdown pass in 11 of 12 games this season and at least two in 10 of them. Penn State’s pass defense looks great on paper and has given up just 11 passing touchdowns this season, but Oregon has the 14th-best passing offense in the country at 277.6 yards per game.

Gabriel will toss at least two scores against the Nittany Lions. Take the OVER.

Tyler Warren, O/U 69.5 Receiving Yards at -117/-117

Penn State’s big tight end is arguably the best in the nation and is a solid receiver, with 69.5+ yards in three of his last four games and five overall this season. He will undoubtedly be one of Drew Allar’s top targets in this game, but stats for the Nittany Lions are somewhat inflated this year due to a relatively easy schedule.

But we do have one game we can use as a reference: Ohio State. Warren had four catches for 47 yards (31 coming on one reception) in that game. This game will be a lot like that one. Take the UNDER.

Atlantic Coast Conference: Clemson vs. SMU

Phil Mafah, O/U 82.5 Rushing Yards at -114/-114

Mafah had 17 yards on 17 carries against Pitt on Nov. 16 and tallied just 14 yards on three rushes against the Citadel the following week. In a must-win game last week, the Tigers’ lead back managed 66 yards on 20 carries. He’s a solid running back, but he’s been overworked and has hit a wall.

Don’t expect him to get past the wall against SMU’s No. 4 run defense, which allows just 95.8 yards per game. Take the UNDER.

Brashard Smith, 100+ Rushing Yards at +150 (odds via DraftKings)

Smith has carried the ball 193 times for the Mustangs this year, gaining 1,157 yards (96.4 per game) and scoring 14 touchdowns in the process. He failed to clear 70 in SMU’s last two games but has notched 100+ yards in six of 12 games this season.

Clemson does not have a bad defense, but it isn’t the dominant unit it was when the Tigers competed for national championships. It was gashed by the better-run teams it faced this season. Don’t count on them to slow Smith down.

Take Smith to run for 100+, but if you want to play it a little safer, the odds for Smith eclipsing 90 yards are +100.

–Travis Pulver, Field Level Media

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel throws down field against Maryland during the third quarter at Autzen Stadium Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.

Dillon Gabriel sets career TD mark as No. 1 Oregon routs Maryland

Dillon Gabriel set an NCAA record with his 179th career touchdown and No. 1 Oregon shook off a slow start to defeat Maryland 39-18 on Saturday in Eugene, Ore.

Gabriel was 23 for 34 for 183 yards passing with three touchdowns and no interceptions for the Ducks (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten), who led 14-10 before scoring 25 of the game’s final 33 points.

His record-setting touchdown came on a 3-yard toss to left tackle Gernorris Wilson that put Oregon up 29-10 midway through the third quarter.

Gabriel surpassed former Houston quarterback Case Keenum, who accounted for 155 passing touchdowns and 23 rushing scores for the Cougars from 2007-11.

Billy Edwards Jr. completed 22 for 44 passes for 206 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions for the Terrapins (4-5, 1-5), who have lost two straight games.

Jordan James ran up the middle for a 3-yard touchdown to give Oregon the lead for good, 7-3, with 2:21 to play in the first quarter. The score was set up by a 26-yard pass from Gabriel to James one play after the Ducks converted a fourth-and-1.

Oregon made it 14-3 early in the second quarter with a defensive touchdown. Defensive lineman Jordan Burch stripped the ball from Edwards and Brandon Johnson returned the fumble 62 yards.

Maryland made it 14-10 on Roman Hemby’s 1-yard touchdown run, which capped off a nine-play drive with 3:17 left in the first half.

That left enough time for Gabriel to engineer a 12-play, 75-yard drive that culminated with a 9-yard scoring pass to tight end Terrance Ferguson 20 seconds before halftime.

Oregon used a fake punt to extend its lead in the third quarter. Facing fourth-and-3 at its own 22-yard line, Burch took the direct snap on a fake punt and rumbled 36 yards.

Five plays later, Gabriel tossed his record-setting touchdown and Josh Conerly Jr. ran in the two-point conversion to make it 29-10.

The Terrapins took advantage of several Ducks defensive penalties to sustain drives. They pulled within 29-18 on Octavian Smith’s 3-yard touchdown reception and Edwards’ run on a two-point conversion with 11:27 left in the fourth quarter, but got no closer.

Atticus Sappington hit a 20-yard field goal with 5:47 left before Gabriel found Evan Stewart for a 17-yard score with 3:45 to go.

–Field Level Media

Oct 28, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) runs the ball as Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Rich Miller (30) defends during the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon lands veteran transfer QB Dillon Gabriel

Former Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel will complete his college career at Oregon.

Gabriel entered the transfer portal earlier this week and announced the move to Oregon on social media on Saturday. At Oregon, he presumably will walk into the starter’s job as the Ducks seek a replacement for Heisman Trophy finalist Bo Nix.

Gabriel’s college career began in 2019 at UCF and he spent three seasons there, with his 2021 campaign cut short because of a season-ending shoulder injury suffered in the third game. He then moved on to Oklahoma and will be a sixth-year senior at Oregon with one year of eligibility left.

In 2023, he completed 266 of 384 passes for 3,660 yards with 30 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also ran and ran for 373 yards and has 12 touchdowns.

In all, Gabriel has thrown for 14,865 yards with a completion rate of 63.1 percent with 125 touchdowns and 26 interceptions in his five college seasons.

A native of Hawaii, Gabriel turns 23 later this month.

–Field Level Media