Preseason Week 2: Shedeur Sanders Starts for Browns Without Much Starting Talent Around Him
The Buffalo Bills travel to Cleveland on Saturday, August 22. Shedeur Sanders is set to start for the Browns, but coaches Todd Monken and Joe Brady have reportedly agreed to rest many of the starters around him after this week's joint practices, meaning Sanders won't have the benefit of Cleveland's top offensive weapons. Buffalo gets receiver DJ Moore back at practice as the Bills prepare for their second preseason test.
Sanders' evaluation continues under tougher conditions
Starting behind a backup-heavy supporting cast is a harder test than Watson got in Week 1, when Cleveland's line and skill players were more built up around him.
Cleveland's QB battle remains the top storyline
Watson and Sanders have split first-team reps all camp, and however this game goes, the competition is expected to stay a headline entering the regular season.
Moore's return is a plus for Buffalo
Getting a key receiver back at practice ahead of this game is a positive sign for the Bills as they build depth-chart continuity.
AI Prediction
Bills 
Browns Cleveland resting talent around Sanders is a real disadvantage
Even a promising young quarterback needs some help around him, and a backup-heavy supporting cast limits what Cleveland's offense can do.
Buffalo enters with more clarity
Getting Moore back at practice suggests the Bills are trending toward full health rather than adding to their injury report.
Preseason variance still matters
Sanders has shown flashes as a passer even in tougher spots, keeping this from being a lopsided projection.
This is a preseason exhibition. Cleveland's decision to rest talent around Sanders is the deciding factor here, though the QB battle storyline keeps this one worth watching regardless of score.
Browns Leaders
Bills Leaders
Team Stats
| Bills | Stat | Browns |
|---|---|---|
| 29.0 | Points Per Game | 10.0 |
| 420.0 | Total Yards | 336.0 |
| 269.0 | Yards Passing | 228.0 |
| 151.0 | Yards Rushing | 108.0 |
| 14.0 | Points Allowed Per Game | 34.0 |
| 224.0 | Yards Allowed | 450.0 |
| 163.0 | Pass Yards Allowed | 368.0 |
| 61.0 | Rush Yards Allowed | 82.0 |
Venue
Closing Line
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Browns Injuries