Last week, Shedeur Sanders had his signature breakout performance, accounting for 393 total yards and 4 TDs against the Titans and being named the Browns' starter for the remainder of the season. But Sanders plummeted back to Earth against Chicago's opportunistic defense in Week 15. Sanders completed 18 of 35 attempts for 177 yards, 0 TDs, and 3 INTs in Cleveland's 31-3 loss.
2025 Fantasy Football Impact
The Bears entered this game leading the league with 18 INTs, and picked off Sanders three times in the second half as Sanders and the Browns tried to get back into a game they trailed 14-0 at the half.
Cleveland had no success on the ground. RB Quinshon Judkins averaged 1.8 yards per carry on his 12 attempts. Sanders led the Browns in rushing with 24 yards, but Cleveland's 50 total rushing yards were their lowest total since accumulating 49 yards in Week 1.
The lack of success on the ground forced Sanders to attempt 35 passes with little success.
He had a pair of well-placed 40-plus-yard bombs to WR Isaiah Bond, but was under duress for most of the games. Sanders was sacked 5 times, and the Browns produced just 3 points in 12 possessions.
Sanders performed admirably last week against the Titans, but has not looked good in his other three starts. He posted QB18 numbers against the lowly Raiders and a QB25 showing versus San Francisco.
These growing pains are to be expected for a fifth-round rookie starting for a 3-win squad.
Cleveland hosts a Buffalo team that has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to QBs in Week 16.
You should not be relying on Sanders as anything more than a risky QB2 in Superflex formats.