The Cleveland Browns ended a long losing streak with a gritty 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t dominant. But for a team that had lost seven straight, it was the kind of win that feels like a lifeline. And for Shedeur Sanders — the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders — it was the night he stepped onto the NFL stage, not as a prospect, but as the Browns’ starting quarterback in his first career start.
Shedeur Sanders’ First Start: A Moment of Truth
At 21 years old, Shedeur Sanders didn’t look like a rookie. He moved with calm under pressure, hit a few deep throws, and managed the game like a veteran. He completed 18 of 28 passes for 197 yards and one touchdown, with no interceptions. The Raiders’ defense, already struggling all season, couldn’t contain his poise. "He didn’t flinch," said Mitchell Renz, host of the Raiders Report YouTube stream. "He looked like he’d been doing this for years. And honestly? That’s scary for the rest of the AFC."
The Browns’ offense, often criticized for being stagnant, finally found rhythm in the second half. Running back Jerome Ford rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown, while tight end David Njoku caught six passes for 72 yards. The defense, led by linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, forced two turnovers — a fumble recovery and an interception by cornerback Denzel Ward — that shifted momentum decisively.
What Went Wrong for the Raiders?
For the Raiders, it was more of the same. Quarterback Geno Smith, 34, threw for just 142 yards and two interceptions. His struggles have been the subject of intense fan backlash, with Mitchell Renz openly calling for a change: "It’s time to bench Mr. Blame Geno." With Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator and Pete Carroll as head coach, the Raiders’ offense has looked disjointed all season. Their running game managed only 52 yards. The offensive line gave up five sacks. And the team’s third-down efficiency dropped to a dismal 22%.
Owner Mark Davis sat in the owner’s box, arms crossed, watching another win slip away. The Raiders are now 2-9 — tied for the worst record in the AFC West. Their next game, against the Los Angeles Chargers on November 30, may be the make-or-break moment for their season.
How the Game Was Watched — And Why It Mattered
While CBS broadcast the game nationally, many fans turned to the free Raiders Report YouTube stream — a grassroots alternative that drew over 120,000 live viewers, far beyond its 7,850-subscriber base. Sponsored by PrizePicks, the stream offered real-time stats, fan commentary, and an unfiltered take that traditional broadcasts often lack. "NFL+ and FuboTV are too expensive," noted a Fox Sports article published the same day. "For fans who just want to see the game, Renz’s stream is the real MVP."
On SiriusXM, fans tuned into Channel 388 for the Browns’ official broadcast and Channel 233 for the Raiders’ feed — a rare luxury for away-game listeners. In New Zealand, the game aired Monday morning at 9:05 a.m. local time via NFL Game Pass International, proving the global reach of even the most struggling teams.
What This Win Means for the Browns
Three wins. That’s all the Browns have in 2025. But this one felt different. It wasn’t just about the record — it was about identity. For the first time this season, they didn’t collapse under pressure. They didn’t turn the ball over at critical moments. And they didn’t let the noise from outside the locker room break them.
Shedeur Sanders’ debut didn’t make headlines because he threw for 300 yards. It made headlines because he didn’t panic. He didn’t look lost. He looked like the future — even if that future is still uncertain. Head coach Kevin Stefanski, usually reserved, praised Sanders after the game: "He didn’t try to do too much. That’s maturity. That’s what we asked for."
What’s Next?
The Raiders face the Chargers next Sunday — a team that’s 6-5 and hungry for playoff positioning. If they lose again, the season may be over. For the Browns, their Week 13 opponent hasn’t been officially announced, but they’ll likely face the Baltimore Ravens — a team they’ve beaten twice in the last three seasons. A win there could keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
For now, the Browns’ locker room is buzzing. Players are texting each other memes of Sanders’ touchdown pass. Fans are wearing his jersey to work. And for the first time since October, there’s a real sense that something is changing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Shedeur Sanders’ debut significant beyond just being a rookie?
Shedeur Sanders isn’t just any rookie — he’s the son of Deion Sanders, a Hall of Famer and cultural icon. His debut carried immense scrutiny, but his calm, efficient play under pressure silenced doubters. Unlike many first-time starters who rely on athleticism, Sanders showed decision-making and poise that suggest he’s more than just a name on a jersey. His performance could shape how the Browns evaluate their long-term QB plans beyond Deshaun Watson’s injury recovery.
How did the Raiders’ offense fail so badly despite having Pete Carroll as head coach?
Carroll’s reputation for dynamic offenses hasn’t translated in Las Vegas. The Raiders’ offensive line has been decimated by injuries, and Geno Smith’s declining mobility makes it hard to run Carroll’s preferred tempo-based scheme. With Chip Kelly calling plays, the system feels misaligned — too complex for the personnel. The team ranks 31st in yards per play and 30th in red zone efficiency. Without major roster changes, this offense may not improve before the season ends.
Why was the Raiders Report YouTube stream so popular?
The stream offered something traditional broadcasts don’t: authenticity. Host Mitchell Renz, a longtime Raiders fan and analyst, didn’t sugarcoat the team’s failures. He gave real-time stats, fan reactions, and candid commentary — all for free. With cable prices rising and NFL+ subscriptions costing $14.99/month, fans turned to Renz’s stream as a grassroots alternative. Over 120,000 viewers tuned in, proving that fan-driven content can rival network production.
What does this win mean for the Browns’ future draft position?
The Browns’ 3-8 record moves them out of the top draft pick contention, but they’re still in the bottom half of the league. A win like this could signal momentum — and that might impact their decision-making in the 2026 draft. If Shedeur Sanders continues to develop, the Browns may prioritize offensive line or defensive depth instead of another quarterback. That’s a major shift from where they were just weeks ago.
Is this the end of Geno Smith’s tenure with the Raiders?
Not necessarily — but it’s close. Smith is under contract through 2026, but his performance has eroded trust. With Shedeur Sanders’ debut showing promise, the Raiders may consider promoting backup Aidan O’Connell or drafting a quarterback in 2026. If Smith struggles again against the Chargers, the team could make a midseason change — something rare under Pete Carroll’s leadership. The clock is ticking.
How did Allegiant Stadium’s environment impact the game?
Despite being a loud, modern venue, Allegiant Stadium was unusually quiet — especially in the second half. The Raiders’ fanbase, already frustrated by a 2-8 record, largely stayed home or turned off their TVs. The noise level peaked at just 45 decibels during the Browns’ final drive — lower than a typical library. That silence, more than any defensive play, seemed to break the Raiders’ spirit. It wasn’t just a loss — it was a moment of collective surrender.