The Cleveland Browns fell short to the San Francisco 49ers 26-8 in Week 13.
Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders finished the day with a mediocre stat line, completing 16 of his 25 pass attempts for 149 passing yards, a passing touchdown, and no interceptions. His top play of the matchup was a 34-yard touchdown throw to tight end Harold Fannin Jr. late in the second quarter.
Almost immediately following the defeat, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced the starter for Week 14.
Who Will the Browns Start in Week 14?
The Browns are taking on No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans in Week 14.
Stefanski made the important decision postgame that “Shedeur Sanders will start next Sunday vs. the Titans,” per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Here’s how fans reacted to the news:
@mimicute01: “Huge move by Stefanski, rolling with Shedeur again shows they’re fully leaning into the future. Big spotlight game next week… if he pops, the entire QB conversation in Cleveland flips overnight.”
I don’t understand why Shedeur Sanders keeps getting asked questions trying to bait him to say something bad about his HC Kevin Stefanski.
He’s been handling it well.pic.twitter.com/DR62E5kEKA
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 30, 2025
@SidelineBrock: “He continues to impress the Browns front office and coaching staff.”
@tictacmagic_: “maybe let him throw more than 15 times a game.”
@1AndOnlyGT: “As he should. Need to know if he’s the future or not heading into the offseason.”
The 49ers’ defense did not do anything special to slow down Sanders and the Browns’ offense, but instead, many blamed Stefanski and the coaching staff for the lack of success. A plethora of fans and analysts pointed to Sanders’ lack of passing attempts, whereas the Browns’ other rookie signal caller, Dillon Gabriel, had plenty of opportunities to air the ball out.
It’s also worth noting the Browns’ offense ranks No. 32 in PFSN metrics with an impact score of 52.5. This does not fall solely on the shoulders of Sanders, as Joe Flacco and Gabriel have started the majority of games. Not to mention, Cleveland’s offensive line ranks last in the NFL in PFSN’s metrics, and their top wideout is Cedric Tillman, who ranks No. 75 among WRs.
Sanders’ start against the Titans will mark the third of his NFL career. It’s arguably the most anticipated because Sanders and Ward were widely projected to be the first two quarterbacks selected in last year’s draft.
Sanders’ first start came in Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he completed 11 of his 20 pass attempts for 209 passing yards, a passing touchdown, and an interception in the 24-10 victory.
Fans and the coaching staff are hoping that as time progresses, Sanders will become increasingly comfortable in the Browns’ offense.