Deshaun Watson tipped for Week 1 starter but pundits project Shedeur Sanders takeover

Deshaun Watson appears to have strengthened his case to open the 2026 season as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback, but one prominent prediction suggests Shedeur Sanders could eventually take control of the job.

The Browns entered training camp with Watson and Sanders at the center of their quarterback competition. Head coach Todd Monken has continued to evaluate both players, leaving the door open for either quarterback to claim the job before the regular season begins.

That competition started to tilt toward Watson after he opened Cleveland’s preseason against the Chicago Bears. The veteran played the first half and completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards, while Sanders entered after halftime.

Sanders is scheduled to start the Browns’ second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, giving him another chance to make his case.

Watson’s return is particularly significant after he missed the entire 2025 season following a second Achilles surgery. Before his injury troubles, he was a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback, although his time in Cleveland hasn’t matched the level he reached with the Houston Texans.

Watson now looks like the safer bet to start Week 1. However, that doesn’t mean he’ll necessarily hold the position throughout the campaign.

Sanders could eventually seize control

ESPN Cleveland’s Aaron Goldhammer has made a particularly bold prediction about how the competition could unfold. Goldhammer expects Watson to start the season opener but believes Sanders will eventually start more games and win more games for Cleveland.

“I think Shedeur is going to start the most games and win the most games,” said Goldhammer .

“Although I think Deshaun will start the first game, and the Shedeur fans need to realize just because he isn't starting the first game doesn't mean he won't start the most games, doesn't mean he won't start the most important games, doesn't mean the season by-large won't belong to him, it just means Deshaun is where the season will start for the Browns.”

That scenario would create an intriguing storyline for the Browns. If Watson plays well and Cleveland consistently wins, there’d be little reason for Monken to make a change. But if the offense struggles or Watson fails to rediscover his previous form, Sanders could quickly become an appealing alternative.

There’s also been controversy surrounding the way Cleveland has divided preseason opportunities. Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III accused the Browns of putting Sanders at a disadvantage by having him start the second preseason game, potentially without the same first-team support Watson received in the opener.

"I'm convinced the Cleveland Browns never had any intention to start Shedeur Sanders," Griffin writes.

"Shedeur starting the 2nd preseason game without the rest of the Browns starters makes zero sense. It's impossible to get a comparable evaluation in a QB competition if Shedeur doesn't get to play with all the starters."

Still, that doesn’t necessarily mean the Browns have already decided on Watson. Sanders can still force his way into the conversation with strong performances, particularly if he shows enough command of the offense to convince Monken that he gives Cleveland a better chance to win.

Watson remains the logical Week 1 favorite, particularly after receiving the first preseason start. But Goldhammer’s prediction shouldn’t be dismissed. If Watson struggles and Sanders continues developing, the rookie could eventually turn a preseason competition into a changing of the guard.