Browns name Deshaun Watson starting QB over Shedeur Sanders for Week 1

7 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 2:42 AM

Last updated Aug 25, 2026

Browns name Deshaun Watson starting QB over Shedeur Sanders for Week 1
Summary

The Cleveland Browns have announced Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for Week 1, despite some fan backlash following his recent preseason performance. Head coach Todd Monken stated that Watson provides the best chance to score points and move the ball this season. Watson's statistics in the preseason show a completion of 16-for-27 for 162 yards, one interception, while second-year QB Shedeur Sanders went 15-for-22 for 153 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Monken clarified that this decision is not intended to be week-to-week, indicating Watson's position is secure barring injury or poor performance.

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Status Watch
  • •Deshaun Watson named starting QB for the Browns' season opener.
  • •Todd Monken cites Watson's ability to help score points.
  • •Watson's preseason stats show 162 passing yards with one interception.
  • •Sanders performs closely with 153 passing yards and one touchdown.
  • •Monken emphasizes no week-to-week competition for starting QB.
Latest Updates
  • 2:42 AMYahoo Sports — Deshaun Watson beating Shedeur Sanders as Browns' Week 1 starter is just the beginning. Now, a tenuous reality awaits
  • 9:07 PMYahoo Sports — Shedeur Sanders' reported reaction to losing Browns QB1 battle speaks volumes
  • 7:36 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Incompetent decision’ – Browns fans are all saying the same thing after Deshaun Watson named starting quarterback
  • 4:52 PMYahoo Sports — Browns make decision in Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson QB battle
  • 4:50 PMYahoo Sports — Todd Monken: We expect Deshaun Watson to play well, or we wouldn't be starting him
  • 4:20 PMYahoo Sports — Browns HC Todd Monken reveals why Deshaun Watson is starting QB over Shedeur Sanders
  • 2:17 PMprofootballrumors.com — Deshaun Watson’s Comments May Impact Browns’ QB1 Decision - NFL Rumors - ProFootballRumors.com
What they're saying
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Cleveland Browns fans are not happy after Todd Monken’s team decided to name Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders for Week 1. Sanders will now serve as Watson’s backup, with the decision coming as a shock to many NFL fans and pundits.

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Multiple sources with knowledge of the Browns' decision-making factors suggest: The decision to name Watson rather than Sanders did not arrive via a landslide. This was not a decision about who is "good" or "bad."

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Colorado fans finally received an answer on whether Sanders would be named the Browns' Week 1 starter. Todd Monken revealed his choice on Monday.

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