The Browns are traveling across the United States to play the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Nov. 23 as QB Shedeur Sanders makes his first regular season start.
Cleveland and Las Vegas both come into the game with 2-8 records. The Browns are looking to break a three-game losing streak while the Raiders aims for their second home win of the season.
"Excited for the opportunity that we have in front of us," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "The guys had a really nice work week, understanding how important it is to own this plan, own the details of it so we can play fast on Sunday."
As the Browns look to beat the Raiders in Las Vegas for the first time, here are three keys to the game.
Break into the Raiders' backfield
The Browns have been disruptive in the backfield in their last four games, notching 18 sacks and 42 tackles for loss. DE Myles Garrett had 11 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in that time frame, creating havoc for the opposition.
QB Geno Smith and RB Ashton Jeanty will be Cleveland's next targets to bring down in the backfield. Jeanty only had six carries for seven yards against the Cowboys in Week 11, far off the number of carries and yards he averages per game. Jeanty has averaged 14.9 carries and 55.1 yards per game in 10 games. If the Raiders return to giving Jeanty his usual dose of carries, the Browns need to be intentional about how they stop him given his 5-foot-8, 220 lb. frame.
"I'd say this with the running back, (Ashton) Jeanty's tape looks a lot better than his stats," defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. "You look at his stats, he's averaging 3.7, which isn't great. But then you watch his tape, and you don't see where that is because that guy is breaking tackles, making people miss. There is like nothing to hit on him. He's like a bowling ball out there."
Stopping the run like the Cowboys did will force the Raiders to pass the ball. While the Browns have proven they can get to the quarterback in recent games, they have also shown they can make plays on passes as well. Cleveland has seven interceptions in the last four games, gaining extra possessions for the offense.
Smith has thrown for 2,082 passing yards this season with 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He has thrown an interception in eight of 10 games played this season, including in three consecutive games. Smith's turnover tendencies this season play into Cleveland's defensive momentum and could allow the Browns to slow down Las Vegas.
"It's been a tough season for him. I think like 12 touchdowns, 13 picks," S Grant Delpit said. "Some of those picks aren't his fault and stuff like that but hopefully our guys put some pressure on him up front and force him into some bad decisions in this game."
Open holes for Quinshon Judkins
RB Quinshon Judkins leads NFL rookies in rushing yards and is tied for first in touchdowns, but the Raiders will try to slow him down. Las Vegas allows the second fewest yards per carry in the NFL, giving up 3.8 yards.
While Judkins has amassed 50-plus yard showings in all but two games this season, he has been held below that average of 3.8 yards per carry in the last five games. If the Browns can open up running lanes for Judkins, he can create explosive plays by breaking off big runs. He is tied for second in the NFL with four 30-plus yard runs.
Las Vegas has proven they can plug holes in the trenches and stop lanes from opening, especially by DE Maxx Crosby. He is third in the NFL with 14 tackles for loss this season. LB Devin White, DT Jonah Laulu and Tyree Wilson all have five or more tackles for loss this season as well, aiding Crosby in bringing players down behind the line.
"Their front plays hard," G Joel Bitonio said. "These last couple of games, they've been putting four or five guys on the line. They've put five down early in the season, but they've put four guys on the line last couple of weeks. I think they're trying to find a way to have an identity on defense, and they've done a good job. So, we'll be focused to try to get (Quinshon Judkins) going this week."
Browse photos of the Cleveland Browns practicing at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus as they prepare for their Week 12 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Wide receiver Kaden Davis (89) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
A helmet during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (5) and Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (83) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Cleats during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Defensive end K.J. Henry (90) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
A Gatorade bottles during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Quarterback Bailey Zappe (11) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Defensive end K.J. Henry (90) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (83) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (83) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) and Linebacker Eugene Asante (36) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Cornerback Dee Williams (29) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Cornerback Sam Webb (27) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (64) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Safeties Coach Ephraim Banda during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Assistant Special Teams Coach Kyle Hoke during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (81) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (5) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Defensive back D'Angelo Ross (20) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Coordinator of Team Logistics Wat Adair during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Assistant Wide Receivers Coach Stephen Bravo-Brown during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
A Gatorade bottle during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) and Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Offensive tackle Tyre Phillip (69) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (83) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Linebacker Eugene Asante (36) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Defensive back D'Angelo Ross (20) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (81) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Wide receiver Kaden Davis (89) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Assistant Groundskeeper Shaun Card and Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Dale Jones during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Wide receiver Kaden Davis (89) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Sports Medicine Fellow Nandit Patel during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (81) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) and Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Assistant Groundskeeper Shaun Card during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Assistant Wide Receivers Coach Stephen Bravo-Brown during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Assistant Special Teams Coach Kyle Hoke during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Tight end Brenden Bates (82) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
The scenery during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (81) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
The linebackers during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Equipment Intern Sasoun Tcholakian during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Defensive Quality Control Coach Jeff Anderson during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (5) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Performance Science Fellow Jeremy Portillo during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Linebackers Coach Jason Tarver during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 19, 2025.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) and Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 20, 2025.
Finish in the red zone
As the Browns move the ball down the field, scoring more than just a field goal inside the red zone is crucial. Cleveland has scored a touchdown on 52 percent of drives that have entered the red zone this season. However, the Browns were not able to score a touchdown in two red zone opportunities in Week 11.
The Raiders have allowed a touchdown on 58.9 percent of their red zone trips, including allowing three Cowboys scores in the red zone in Week 11.
However, Las Vegas' 3.8 yards per carry presents a challenge for Cleveland. As the field shrinks and it gets harder to pass, the run is a safe option. The Raiders have proved they can stop the run, forcing the Browns to also potentially pass. Stefanski noted the key to winning the red zone battle against the Raiders is being the more physical team.
"I think they do a really nice job with the things that they're doing from a front standpoint," Stefanski said. "Just the players that they have, the linebackers can run. There are physical defensive linemen. Obviously, Maxx Crosby can show up anywhere and has the ability to beat any block, whether the blocker has leverage on him or not. We have to identify their fronts and do a great job in that type of way because they play so many different looks for you. At the end of the day it is a physical defensive line, physical group of linebackers that we have to match that physicality."
