This Sunday’s Week 12 matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the Las Vegas Raiders is not for the faint of heart, as two struggling teams square off in what has become a crucial battle for the bottom of the league standings. Both the Browns, now led by rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and the Raiders enter Week 12 with identical 2-8 records, creating a game with high-stakes implications far beyond the simple pursuit of a mid-season win.

While a victory would offer a much-needed psychological boost for either franchise, the reality of a lost season looms large. For the loser, a devastating 2-9 record means inching ever closer to the coveted first overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

This is the ultimate consolation prize, offering the organization their “pick of the litter” from a heralded class of college signal-callers, including potential franchise saviors like Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, or Dante Moore. With the immediate future of the Browns’ quarterback position still uncertain, this game is a dangerous tightrope walk between a fleeting victory and securing a talented passer. Here are five predictions for what to expect in this crucial contest.

1. Shedeur Sanders (Doesn’t) Make History

Since the franchise’s return in 1999, a Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback has not won his first NFL start. This is a damning statistic that perfectly encapsulates the Browns’ quarterback purgatory.

While Shedeur Sanders is a confident player, I do not expect this fifth-round pick, who has genuine flaws in his game to work through (such as his pocket awareness and a tendency to hold the ball), to buck that disheartening trend.

He’s operating with an offense that has struggled immensely this season, and the supporting cast will not be strong enough to overcome his natural rookie growing pains, especially on the road.

2. Mason Graham Gets His

Defensive tackle Mason Graham has been consistently disruptive on film, quietly stacking up an impressive number of pressures from the interior line.

However, playing next to a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Myles Garrett often means the spotlight is elsewhere. Against the Raiders’ offensive line and quarterback Geno Smith, I predict Graham finally breaks out of Garrett’s shadow. He will log his first multi-sack game of the season, stepping into the spotlight as the Browns’ second dominant force on the defensive front.

3. Quinshon Judkins Gets Back On Track

The Browns’ young running back, Quinshon Judkins, hasn’t averaged above four yards per carry since the team’s trip to London several weeks ago. The inconsistency has been frustrating, but the Raiders’ defense presents an opportunity for a rebound.

I expect Judkins to finally get that number back up on Sunday, even if it’s thanks to one lone, breakaway run that dramatically boosts his average rather than sustained, touch-to-touch efficiency. The team will lean on the run to protect their rookie quarterback, and Judkins will take advantage of the volume.

4. Harold Fannin Scores

Rookie tight end Harold Fannin showcased his downfield ability last week, hauling in one of Shedeur Sanders’ four completions. Fannin has demonstrated that he can consistently separate from defenders and offers a reliable threat up the seam.

In a game where the new quarterback will be looking for safe, high-leverage targets, Fannin will be a prime candidate. He will score his second touchdown of the season, capitalizing on the Raiders’ linebackers being preoccupied with the running game.

5. The Browns Lose, 17-24

Despite the predictable heroics of a Myles Garrett-led defense, which will undoubtedly keep the team in the game, the offense simply is not enough to drag itself to a win. Football is a three-phase game, and right now, the Cleveland offense is an active detriment.

A struggling rookie quarterback on the road, combined with an already inefficient unit, will lead to too many stalled drives and lost opportunities. The Raiders will pull away in the second half, solidifying the final score that sends the Browns another step closer to the ultimate draft prize.