Shedeur Sanders didn’t just make his first NFL start—he announced his arrival. On a chilly Sunday afternoon in Paradise, Nevada, the Shedeur Sanders led the Cleveland Browns to a 24-10 upset over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, snapping a seven-game road skid and injecting fresh life into a season many had written off. The win, sealed by a ferocious defensive effort that racked up 10 sacks, wasn’t pretty—but it was exactly what Cleveland needed.
A First Start, A Statement
At 1:05 PM Pacific Time on November 23, 2025, Shedeur Sanders, the 22-year-old son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, took his first snap as a starting quarterback in the NFL. No pressure, right? He handled it like a veteran. Sanders completed 19 of 28 passes for 212 yards and one touchdown, with zero interceptions. His poise under pressure, especially in the fourth quarter when the Raiders mounted their only serious drive, was the quiet story of the game. He didn’t need to carry the offense—he just needed to manage it. And he did.
What made the win feel real wasn’t Sanders’ stat line. It was the silence that followed the Browns’ opening drive. A 75-yard, 10-play march capped by a 12-yard touchdown pass to Amari Cooper—no timeouts, no panic. Just execution. The crowd at Allegiant Stadium, already restless after a 2-8 start to the season, fell into stunned quiet. This wasn’t luck. This was leadership.
The Defense That Roared
But here’s the thing: Sanders didn’t win this game alone. He had help—from a defense that looked like a pack of wolves unleashed.
Myles Garrett, the three-time First-Team All-Pro defensive end, was a one-man wrecking crew. His three sacks came on consecutive drives in the second half, each one more devastating than the last. The first came on third-and-long, blowing past rookie right tackle Trey Hill like he was standing still. The second was a strip-sack that led to a Browns turnover. The third? A textbook bull rush that sent Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell tumbling into the turf, helmet flying off. Garrett finished with 3.5 sacks total, and his presence forced O’Connell into hurried throws all day.
Altogether, the Browns’ defense recorded 10 sacks—the most by any team since Week 5 of the 2023 season. They held the Raiders to just 218 total yards. Aidan O’Connell, who’d shown flashes of promise earlier in the season, completed only 16 of 32 passes for 142 yards and one interception. He was under duress on 23 of his 37 dropbacks, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. That’s not a coincidence. That’s a blueprint.
Why the First Quarter Mattered
Most games are won in the fourth. This one was won in the first. The Browns scored 14 points in the opening 15 minutes—two touchdowns, one field goal attempt blocked. The Raiders? Zero. Not a single first down. Not a single yard on their opening drive. They punted. Then they punted again. Then they punted again.
By the time the second quarter rolled around, the Raiders were already down 14-0. Their offense looked lost. Their offensive line looked broken. And their fans? They started leaving. At halftime, the stadium was less than 60% full. That’s rare for a home game in Las Vegas.
What’s more, the Browns didn’t score again until the fourth quarter. But they didn’t need to. The defense held the Raiders to a field goal in the second quarter and a garbage-time touchdown in the final minutes. That’s not just good defense. That’s discipline. That’s mentality.
Playoff Hopes: A Glimmer for Cleveland, a Ghost for Las Vegas
Before this game, the Browns sat at 3-8. They were last in the AFC North, 3.5 games behind the Steelers and Ravens, both at 6-5. After this win? They’re 4-8. Still out of the playoff picture. But now, they’re not dead. They’re alive. With three games left—including two against teams with losing records—the math isn’t impossible. Win out, and they could finish 7-10. If the Ravens or Steelers stumble? A wild card spot isn’t fantasy.
For the Raiders? It’s over. At 2-9, they’re mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. Their next game—against the 9-2 Denver Broncos on December 7—isn’t just a rivalry game. It’s a funeral procession. They’ve lost five straight at home. Their offensive line has been decimated by injuries. Their quarterback situation is a mess. And their coach, Antonio Pierce, is on the hot seat.
What’s Next?
The Browns head home to face the Cincinnati Bengals on December 1, a team they’ve beaten twice in the last three years. A win there, followed by a matchup against the winless Detroit Lions on December 15, could set up a dramatic finale against the Steelers on Christmas Eve. Sanders will be the story. But the defense? That’s the foundation.
For the Raiders, the offseason looms. Questions about Aidan O’Connell’s future. Questions about the offensive line. Questions about whether general manager Dave Ziegler will be back. And questions about whether Allegiant Stadium, once a fortress, has become a tomb.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Shedeur Sanders perform in his first NFL start?
Shedeur Sanders completed 19 of 28 passes for 212 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. He showed poise under pressure, particularly in the fourth quarter, and led a methodical opening drive that set the tone. While not flashy, his decision-making and command of the offense were exactly what the Browns needed after weeks of instability at quarterback.
Why was the Browns’ defense so dominant?
The Browns’ defense combined disciplined scheme, relentless pressure, and elite individual talent. Myles Garrett’s presence forced the Raiders into predictable passing situations, while the secondary played tight coverage, limiting big plays. The 10 sacks were the result of coordinated blitzes and a front four that consistently won one-on-one battles—something Cleveland hadn’t done consistently all season.
What does this win mean for Cleveland’s playoff chances?
The Browns are still mathematically alive but need to win all three remaining games and rely on losses by the Steelers and Ravens. With a favorable schedule—including games against the Bengals and Lions—they have a shot. A 7-10 record could be enough if the AFC wild card race tightens. This win proved they can compete with playoff-caliber teams when the defense plays at its peak.
Why are the Raiders’ prospects so bleak?
The Raiders are 2-9, eliminated from playoff contention, and have lost five straight at home. Their offensive line has allowed 38 sacks this season—the most in the NFL. Aidan O’Connell has struggled with consistency, and the team lacks playmakers outside of Davante Adams. With no clear path forward, the focus now shifts to draft positioning and coaching changes.
How does this game compare to past Browns-Raiders matchups?
This was the most lopsided win for Cleveland against Las Vegas since 2017, when they won 30-13. Historically, the Raiders have held the edge in the series, but this game marked the first time since 2014 that the Browns recorded double-digit sacks against them. The defensive dominance and early offensive execution made this one of their most complete wins in recent memory.
What’s the significance of Myles Garrett’s performance?
Garrett’s three sacks pushed his season total to 14.5, putting him on pace for his fourth 15-sack season. He’s now tied for the NFL lead in sacks and has become the most feared pass rusher in the AFC. His ability to dominate games single-handedly is why the Browns’ defense has improved dramatically since Week 8. He’s not just a player—he’s a game-changer.
