Sanders’ Browns Starting QB Odds Surge After Preseason Debut

• Shedeur Sanders improved from +2500 to +1500 to start Week 1 after his preseason debut against Carolina
• Joe Flacco remains the favorite at -156, though his odds lengthened from -265 before the preseason
• Keep reading for updated Browns Week 1 Starting QB odds and latest Cleveland QB depth chart

One preseason game changed everything for Shedeur Sanders. The Browns’ rookie went from +2500 to +1500 to start Week 1 after throwing two touchdown passes against the Panthers.

But here’s the thing about preseason football: it’s fool’s gold more often than not. Sanders looked sharp, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, but he was doing it against Carolina’s backups while Joe Flacco watched from the sideline.

Here’s a look at the updated Browns starting QB odds, and whether we think Sheduer has a real chance to land the gig.

Browns Week 1 Starting QB Odds

Look at how much these odds moved. Flacco dropped from -265 to -156, while Sanders shot up the board after cutting his odds nearly in half.

Based on these updated odds, Sanders’ implied probability of being the Browns’ Week 1 starter vs Cincinnati is 6.3%.

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Sanders Odds’ Surge After Preseason Debut

Sanders did what you want from a fifth-round rookie. He completed 60.9% of his passes, threw two touchdowns, and posted a 113.9 passer rating without turning the ball over.

The Colorado product has the arm that made some scouts think first round. His first touchdown was a perfect 7-yard pass to Kaden Davis between two defenders. He found Davis again for a 12-yarder in the second quarter.

Sanders can run too, picking up 19 yards on four carries. When a third-and-8 play fell apart in his own end zone, he fired a 19-yard completion to Gage Larvadain to get out of trouble.

But let’s be real. Sanders was playing against a Panthers defense that won five games last season. He almost threw a pick when a safety jumped his out route, and he took some bad sacks trying to do too much.

Flacco Still Favored in Browns QB Odds

The 40-year-old veteran didn’t even suit up for the preseason opener. Kevin Stefanski doesn’t need to see what Flacco can do, as he already knows the answer.

Remember, this is the same guy who stepped in two years ago and threw for over 1,600 yards and 13 touchdowns in just five starts. He led Cleveland to the playoffs when everyone thought their season was over.

Flacco has been taking all the first-team reps in practice. He knows Stefanski’s system inside and out. Most importantly, he gives the Browns their best chance to win games in September while the rookies learn how to be pros.

Browns QB Depth Chart

The injury bug actually helped Sanders get more reps. Both Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel have hamstring problems, which let Sanders start the preseason opener.

But getting reps doesn’t mean you’re moving up. Sanders is still fourth on the depth chart, working only with the backups in practice.

The Long Game for Sanders

Cleveland’s got a game plan here. The Browns know what they’re doing with Sanders, and it’s smart.

They took him in the fifth round, knowing he needs work. His 50 snaps against Carolina were about seeing what they have, not picking a starter. The coaches wanted to know if he could handle NFL speed, and he did fine.

But doing fine in preseason and starting Week 1 are totally different. Sanders is +5000 for Offensive Rookie of the Year, which tells you the books know he won’t play enough to win it.

If Flacco struggles or gets hurt, Sanders might get his shot by midseason. He’s shown enough to be in that conversation. But for now, he’s exactly where a fifth-round rookie should be – learning, developing, and waiting for his moment.

Prediction for Browns Starting QB in Week 1

The books got excited after Sanders’ debut, but I’m not buying it. Flacco at -156 is the play here, and I’ll take advantage of those odds lengthening from -256.

Stefanski isn’t going to hand the keys to a fifth-round rookie based on one good preseason game against Carolina’s backups. Not when he has a Super Bowl MVP who already proved he can win games in this system.

Sanders showed he belongs in the NFL, and that’s great for Cleveland’s future. He might even take over at some point this season if things go south. But Week 1? That job belongs to Flacco.

I recommend staying away from Sanders at +1500 for Week 1 starter and definitely avoid him at +5000 for Offensive Rookie of the Year. The kid’s got talent, but he won’t see the field enough to cash either ticket.

• Browns Week 1 Starting QB Pick: Joe Flacco (-156)