Browns vs. Saints: Sanders Starts With Watson Out in New Orleans

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Quarterback Change Creates Uncertainty for Browns-Saints Matchup

The Cleveland Browns have been a good team all season, with a solid record, but they face a challenge today with Deshaun Watson out and Shaddo Sanders starting against the Saints in New Orleans. The Saints are three-point favorites, with the total set at 42.5.

New Orleans has struggled over the past two and a half years, and it is difficult to know when the turnaround will begin. Chuck looked good last year, creating hope that the Saints might turn the corner, but the team is now rarely discussed because it is generally assumed not to be very good.

The quarterback change makes this a difficult game to predict. Cleveland has the better record and has played better than New Orleans, but the Saints are favored at home. With an untested backup entering the current version of the Browns’ offense, there are too many questions to have a strong feel for the matchup.

Shado Sanders played last year under a different regime, with a different offensive coordinator and different personnel. Harold Fannon, who was off the injury report Friday, could be an important option. Sanders likes to get rid of the football quickly and make accurate throws rather than relying heavily on the deep ball.

In theory, Denzel Boston might not be the best fit with Sanders, while Casey Concepcion could benefit. Concepcion and Fannon are two players to watch for prop investments and as possible fantasy streaming options.

The Saints still have the advantage of playing in a division that is not especially strong. A home victory over Sanders and the Browns would keep them in the mix, with two games against the Carolina Panthers and a final-week matchup against Tampa Bay still on the schedule. It may not take a winning record to capture the division, especially with Carolina also moving in the wrong direction.

New Orleans has additional concerns on offense. The offensive line has played poorly despite not dealing with many injuries, while the running game has been a major problem. The Saints also made the unusual move of dropping Kendre Miller from the roster. Aldric Estime remains part of a rushing attack that has not met expectations, and Travis Achan has not provided the answer the team hoped for this season.