The NFL’s official release of the 2025 schedule has painted a stark picture for the Cleveland Browns, who will not play a single game in prime time. This omission leaves the Browns out of the big spotlight, or, as Shedeur Sanders’s dad would say, out of “Primetime.” This suggests that the league anticipates another challenging year for the team following their dismal 3-14 record in 2024, their worst since going winless in 2017.
In contrast, powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs (seven prime-time games) and the Dallas Cowboys (six) will dominate the spotlight, reflecting the NFL’s confidence in their popularity. The Browns will kick off their season at home against the Cincinnati Bengals, who boasted the league’s top offense last season.This matchup will test Cleveland’s defense, led by Myles Garrett and rookie Mason Graham, the fifth overall pick in the draft.
The biggest question mark remains at the quarterback position, where five contenders (Watson, Flacco, Picket, Sanders, Gabriel) are likely to be narrowed down to three by the final 53-man roster. Since 1999, the Browns have started 40 different quarterbacks. Only Tim Couch in 2001 and Baker Mayfield in 2019 and 2020 lasted a full season. This underscores the uncertainty that defines their quarterback situation.
Quarterback Battle Heats Up with Shedeur Sanders in the Mix
Shedeur Sanders, one of five quarterbacks competing for a spot, has already made waves despite not playing a single NFL snap. The Browns drafted Sanders in the fifth round, and he generated significant media buzz during rookie minicamp. There, he’s competing against Dillon Gabriel, the former Oregon quarterback who was selected 94th overall. The two rookies are in a fierce battle for a roster spot, but they face stiff competition from veteran Joe Flacco, whose experience likely secures his place, as well as from Kenny Pickett, who’s looking to bounce back after his Super Bowl season as a backup with the Eagles.
Then there’s Deshaun Watson, the embattled quarterback whose $220 million guaranteed contract-the largest at the time-has been labeled a mistake by the team’s general manager. With only 19 games played over three seasons, Watson’s tenure in Cleveland appears to be winding down. As the days tick closer to the season opener, the pressure mounts for Browns fans, especially now that the schedule reveals a daunting first month and a tough season finale, amplifying the stakes for whoever emerges as the starter.
A Challenging Path Ahead for the Browns
The Browns’ 2025 schedule offers little relief, with challenging early games and late-season matchups. Their opening game against the Bengals at home will be a critical test, as Cincinnati hasn’t won a Week 1 game in three years and has only one victory in their last six season openers. Other potential wins could come in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins at home, in Week 8 against the New England Patriots, and in Week 10 against the New York Jets in East Rutherford after their bye week. However, surpassing last season’s three wins will be difficult, especially without a clear quarterback solution.
The Browns’ history of instability at the quarterback position, combined with a schedule that lacks prime-time exposure, suggests that the NFL doesn’t see them as contenders. For Shedeur Sanders and the rest of the team, the road to redemption will be steep. However, early opportunities against struggling teams could provide a glimmer of hope if they can capitalize on them.
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