The Cleveland Browns list tight end Harold Fannin Jr. on the Week 9 injury report before traveling to New Orleans to face the Saints. Fannin, the team's top receiving threat with 411 yards, three TDs and 35 catches in eight games, is dealing with a lower‑body/groin issue that limited his practice Thursday. Though he may still practice fully before Sunday, his status remains uncertain, raising concerns for the Browns' passing attack against Tyler Shough and the Saints at the Caesars Superdome.
The Browns head into Week 9 without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson (concussion) and may lose defensive tackle Maliek Collins (elbow). Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. also returns to the injury report with a groin issue that ended his rookie season. Meanwhile, the Saints aim to get wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. back on the field, but still list several players as limited or out, including RB Alvin Kamara (back) and CB Martin Emerson (shin). With Cleveland adding more injuries, the Saints enter the matchup as favorites.
The Browns travel to New Orleans for Week 9 after a bruising loss to Pittsburgh, now forced to start rookie Shedeur Sanders at quarterback following Deshaun Watson’s concussion. Meanwhile the Saints, fresh off a bye, are expected to rally behind rookie QB Tyler Shough, who benefits from a healthier roster and new additions like RB Audric Estimé and kicker Charlie Smyth. Media picks are split, with CBS’s Pete Prisco favoring a 17‑14 Saints win, John Breech backing a 20‑17 Browns victory, and Sporting News forecasting a narrow 23‑20 Saints edge. Run games for both sides remain a concern, making predictions hinge on quarterback play and defensive adjustments.
Five months after the Browns traded Myles Garrett for Jared Verse, the rookie DE faces a 27-6 loss to the Steelers and a viral body‑slam that has sparked controversy. After calling the Steelers’ line “dirty” in Week 4, Verse was slammed by Pittsburgh guard Mason McCormick on a blocked extra‑point attempt, a clip that quickly spread online. In the rematch, Cleveland’s offense sputters with eight sacks allowed and just 34 rushing yards, while the defense concedes 200 rushing yards and three TDs. Frustrated, Verse publicly blamed his teammates, urging them to “pick it up” ahead of the upcoming Saints game.
With starter Deshaun Watson sidelined by concussion protocol, rookie Shedeur Sanders steps in for the Cleveland Browns in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints. Sanders, who has thrown three passes for two yards this season, sparks debate after Skip Bayless claims his fifth‑round slide was the biggest draft injustice, even suggesting he deserved the No. 1 pick. Browns head coach Todd Monken praises Sanders' preparation and leadership, saying he’s ready to compete. The Browns sit 5‑3, third in the AFC North behind the Steelers (6‑2) and Bengals (5‑3), making Sanders’ debut a key storyline.
The Browns head into Week 9 against the Saints with key injury updates. Deshaun Watson remains in concussion protocol, pushing backup Shedeur Sanders into the starting QB role. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins stays out, while offensive tackle Austin Barber and linebacker Quincy Williams return to practice, offering a boost to the line. Meanwhile, the Saints see WR Jordyn Tyson and OT Kelvin Banks Jr. back from IR. The final practice reports on Friday will likely reveal whether Collins can suit up, a pivotal factor for Cleveland’s defense.
Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders declines to explain his recent agent hire as the Browns prepare for a possible Week 9 start against the Saints. Sanders pivots the conversation to football, saying the move “doesn’t matter” for the upcoming game. While the timing fuels speculation about his long‑term future in Cleveland—mirroring Marvin Harrison Jr.’s pre‑trade agent signing—a trade before the deadline seems unlikely. Sanders, who finished last season with 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 picks, has thrown just three passes this year. A strong showing Sunday could boost his standing in Cleveland’s quarterback plans.
The Cleveland Browns feel like they will be in good hands if second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders has to start Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints.
The Miami Dolphins host the Detroit Lions in Week 9 on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. CBS will broadcast the game with Kevin Harlan and Trent Green, but only Miami, West Palm Beach, and Fort Myers viewers will see it locally; the rest of Florida gets other matchups. NFC North markets—including Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Chicago, and Toledo—will also receive the Lions‑Dolphins game. The Dolphins sit 1‑6 after a Week 8 loss, while the Lions are 5‑2 and aiming for a playoff push. Additional Florida games: Jets‑Chiefs, Broncos‑Panthers, Browns‑Saints on CBS; Cowboys‑Colts, Giants‑Eagles, Packers‑Patriots on FOX; and Buccaneers‑Bears on Sunday Night Football.
With a 6-2 record and a slim AFC North lead, the Steelers face a crucial NFL trade deadline on Tuesday. Rumors swirl that they may target a new receiver while backup quarterback Mason Rudolph could be packaged in a deal. Insider chatter hints at both possible trades and whether rookie Shedeur Sanders will start Sunday. As the Browns, Saints, and other division foes prepare for upcoming games, Pittsburgh’s activity—or lack thereof—could shape their push in a wide‑open AFC.
Week 9’s Start & Sit guide highlights three starters and three benchings. Quarterback Malik Willis (Dolphins) earns a start against the Lions thanks to a +5.3 matchup edge and his rushing upside, while Tyler Shough (Saints) is a sit facing Cleveland’s stout defense. Running back Jonah Coleman (Broncos) gets the green light against a soft Panthers run defense, but Giants backup Cam Skattebo is a sit due to injury and limited role. Wide receiver DeMario Douglas (Patriots) is a start if A.J. Brown and Hunter Henry remain sidelined. The article breaks down projections, snap shares, and defensive rankings to help fantasy managers fine‑tune their flex decisions.
Shilo Sanders lashes out at reporters after his brother, Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders, hired agent Adie von Gontard on Oct. 14. During a Nov. 4 press conference, reporters questioned the agent hire, prompting Shilo to call the line of questioning a "setup" on his livestream. The feud echoes earlier tensions, including Shilo’s viral tirade at veteran Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot over speculation that Deshaun Watson will retain the starter role. With Watson now on concussion protocol after a Week 8 hit, Shedeur could start against the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 8, intensifying the media scrutiny. The article details the brothers’ history, the agent move, and the ongoing media drama surrounding Shedeur’s NFL debut.
After a bye, the New Orleans Saints look to rookie Jordyn Tyson to boost their passing game against the Browns, easing pressure on Chris Olave and giving Tyler Shough another threat. Defensive tackle Christen Miller is expected to see a larger role as the team's future run stopper, while tight end Oscar Delp could move into a TE2 spot and become a more active receiver. Offensive guard Jeremiah Wright faces a stern test versus Cleveland’s defensive line, and WRs Bryce Lance and Barion Brown shift to supporting roles with increased special‑team duties. The piece also notes RB CJ Donaldson’s uncertain future and depth battles at OT and DB ahead of the Week 9 showdown.
With Deshaun Watson now on concussion protocol after the Browns’ loss to the Steelers, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is poised to make his first start of the season against the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 5. Sanders brings last year’s starter experience and says he’s eager for the chance, but the Browns will need solid protection from the offensive line and a quick‑pass, run‑support strategy to boost his confidence. Targeting reliable receivers KC Concepcion and Harold Fannin Jr., who excel in yards after the catch, could be key as the team looks to rebound from a tough week and snap the Saints’ 2‑5 slump.
For Week 9 fantasy owners, the article flags three RBs to start: Broncos' Jonah Coleman (vs. Panthers, who allow the second‑most fantasy RB points), Chiefs' Kenneth Walker II (vs. Jets, a 12th‑ranked RB defense, after a recent dip), and Browns' Quinshon Judkins (vs. Saints, the league’s worst run‑defense). It advises benching three others: Bengals' Chase Brown despite a decent matchup, Raiders' Ashton Jeanty against the stingy 49ers, and Ravens' Derrick Henry in a game with a rookie QB against Jacksonville's top RB defense. Use these insights to set your lineup.
The Browns sit 5-3 entering Week 9, but quarterback Deshaun Watson lands in concussion protocol after a helmet‑to‑helmet hit against the Steelers. Rookie Shedeur Sanders is slated to start, and cornerback Denzel Ward embraces the "next man up" mindset, saying the team will win no matter who takes the snap. Ward highlighted the importance of stepping up across all positions, while Sanders, who posted 1,400 yards, seven TDs and 10 INTs as a rookie, could benefit from an upgraded supporting cast. The Browns face the Saints at 1 p.m. ET on Nov 8.
The New Orleans Saints return from a bye week to face the Cleveland Browns in a crucial test of their revamped offense. Cleveland ranks 24th in rushing defense (126.9 yards/game) but boasts a top‑10 pass defense, thanks to an elite interior pass rush that has recorded 11 sacks. The Saints, plagued by injuries to C.J. Donaldson and a hand‑injured quarterback Tyler Shough, rank 28th in rushing (86 yards/game) and 14th in passing. Coach Kellen Moore hopes the reinstated running back Audric Estime can spark a balanced attack, using motions and heavy run‑action to neutralize the Browns’ sack‑heavy front. Success hinges on improving red‑zone efficiency and protecting Shough against a ferocious pass rush.
Saints rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson makes his first practice appearance since a right‑hamstring injury on Aug. 13, marking a key step toward an NFL debut. The 8th‑overall pick, placed on IR on Aug. 30, participated in a limited session Wednesday, with head coach Kellen Moore still undecided on his availability for the Week 9 game against the Cleveland Browns. Tyson says the rehab has helped him rebuild his foundation, improve explosiveness, and track progress with Zebra technology. The Saints, now 2‑5, hope his return bolsters a rushing offense ranked 28th.
The Bengals travel to Madrid to face the Falcons on Nov. 5, 2026, after a 43‑36 win over the Titans while Atlanta rebounds from a 16‑0 loss to the Buccaneers. Four key matchups could decide the game: Orlando Brown Jr. versus returning pass‑rusher James Pearce Jr., Bengals linebackers Barrett Carter, Demetrius Knight Jr. and Jordan Battle trying to contain Bijan Robinson’s 780 rushing yards and 203 receiving yards, tight end Kyle Pitts testing a Bengals secondary that has struggled against the position, and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence attempting to dominate the Falcons’ interior line after a sack‑filled week. The article breaks down each duel and highlights the Falcons’ surprising wins over the Packers, Saints and 49ers despite a 3‑5 record.
Browns coach Todd Monken is excited to see rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders earn his first start of the 2026 season against the New Orleans Saints after Deshaun Watson lands in concussion protocol. Monken praises Sanders’ diligence, preparation and leadership in meetings and on the sidelines. Sanders, who saw limited action in a 27-6 loss to the Steelers (2‑yard, 2‑pass completions), is the son of Hall of Famer Deion and entered the league in the fifth round after a steep draft fall. Cleveland must improve protection, as Watson has been sacked a league‑leading 33 times this year.
The New Orleans Saints finally see two key starters back on the roster: Jordyn Tyson and Kelvin Banks Jr., as announced in the Wednesday injury report ahead of the Saints‑Browns matchup. Their return could spark a turnaround for a team plagued by injuries all season. The article also notes Shedeur Sanders' lighthearted comments on defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, a tweet from Browns QB Kellen Moore, and kicker Charlie Smyth’s week‑long stint. Fans are invited to discuss the impact of the returns on SB Nation’s app.
Rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion says he’s building strong ties with every Browns quarterback as the team’s QB picture clouds. Deshaun Watson is on concussion protocol after the Week 8 loss to Pittsburgh, leaving a potential start for Shedeur Sanders against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Concepcion stresses his rapport with both Watson and Sanders, noting their shared rookie experiences and the need for consistent chemistry. He’s posted 353 yards on 33 catches in his first eight games and still hunts his first touchdown, hoping the emerging QB duo can click soon.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders may replace the injured Deshaun Watson for Sunday's clash with the New Orleans Saints. After falling to the fifth round (No. 144) in the 2025 draft, Sanders climbed the depth chart, starting the last seven games last season with 1,400 yards, seven TDs and 10 interceptions. He thanks the organization for the chance and says he’s ready to prove himself in Week 9. The Browns are expected to announce the starter by Thursday, with Dillon Gabriel slated as QB2.
The Browns head into Sunday’s clash with the 2‑5 Saints while sitting at 5‑3 and fighting for an AFC playoff spot. Both teams share odd first‑quarter numbers – New Orleans has managed only six points all season, and Cleveland has scored just 13, yet each has been outscored early (Saints by 38, Browns by 52). With starter injuries piling up, Cleveland plans to start backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders, adding intrigue to a game that could turn into a long afternoon for the Browns. The article also notes four starters missing practice, two roster moves and the latest power‑ranking drop for Cleveland.
The Buffalo Bills cut veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Tuesday, days after he served a one‑game suspension for spitting at Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. While the incident sparked headlines, NFL Network reports the release stems chiefly from inconsistent performance as the Bills revamp their 2026 defense. Gardner-Johnson, known for his aggressive play and postseason experience with the Saints and Eagles, now faces a free‑agent market where teams will weigh his talent against recent controversy. His next destination remains uncertain.