With QB Shedeur Sanders at the helm of the Browns' offense, and a dominant performance from the Browns' defense, Cleveland grabbed its third win of the season with a 24-10 victory over the Raiders.
"We talked about all week about being resilient together, and I thought they did that," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "They showed that they played that way. It's important to get that road win out here, so we've got to build on it."
Here are the three key takeaways from the Browns' 24-10 win over the Raiders.
Shedeur Sanders commands offense in first NFL start
When Sanders took the field for his first NFL start and led the first few offensive series, he began to settle in at the helm of the offense. Over the course of four quarters, Sanders demonstrated different elements of his skillset – particularly in his ability to throw a deep ball to move the Browns down the field.
"The fact that I got an opportunity, and I was able to show the organization, show everybody who I really am, that was truly exciting," Sanders said.
On their fourth offensive drive of the game, Sanders connected with TE Harold Fannin Jr. to move the Browns downfield on a 17-yard gain. Then, three plays later on a third-and-long, Sanders let a deep pass go to WR Isaiah Bond as he ran down the field and caught the ball for a 52-yard catch. With the Browns deep in the red zone, RB Quinshon Judkins then found the end zone on the next play to give the Browns a 14-0 lead over the Raiders in the first quarter.
"This team did a nice job of loading those boxes, and we had to run efficiently, even versus those, but there were opportunities on the back end," Stefanski said. "Getting that play off of some scramble drill was huge. The one to IB [Isaiah Bond], that's a great play for us in that moment when we're out manned to be able to escape and make that throw."
While Sanders made some mistakes, either on incomplete passes or the interception early in the second quarter, he continued to hold a level of poise when he took the field for the next offensive possession. He spread the ball out to different receivers over the course of the game and led the Browns on two scoring drives in the fourth quarter – one ending with a 53-yard field goal b K Andre Szmyt and the other with 66-yard touchdown reception to RB Dylan Sampson.
Sanders finished the game completing 11 of 20 passing attempts for 209 yards and one touchdown. He also only took one sack for a loss of three yards.
"I think you saw a lot of what Shedeur [Sanders] does well on the field today," Stefanski said. "I thought to make that play off schedule when we were out man the protection, get the ball down the field. So, there's a lot that he's doing well, and there's a lot that he's working on which is what I appreciate about young guys that want to get better."
Browse action photos from the Browns' 2025 Week 12 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, featuring top plays and moments.
Defense smothers QB Geno Smith and Raiders' offense
The Browns' defense continued to display their dominance against the Raiders and QB Geno Smith. From the first quarter through the fourth quarter, they applied ample pressure on Smith to force him into incompletions or to bring him down for the sack. Smith completed 30 of 44 passing attempts for 285 passing yards and one touchdown.
The Browns totaled 10 sacks on Smith for a loss of 77 yards, with eight players recording at least half a sack. DE Myles Garrett led Cleveland with three sacks – and broke the franchise record for the most sacks in a single season – with DT Maliek Collins finishing just behind Garrett with 2.5 sacks. Yet, they had additional sacks from LB Devin Bush, DE Isaiah McGuireand DE Cameron Thomas, as well as half sacks from DT Mike Hall Jr., DT Shelby Harris and LB Jerome Baker.
"That defensive performance was incredible," Stefanski said. "The 10 sacks, three by Myles [Garrett], breaks his own Browns record. Pretty special, just how all those guys were rushing, just the D-line in general, just harassing. You don't get those sacks without great coverage in the back. I thought there were a few cover sacks. So, really proud of those guys."
The 10 total sacks are the second-most by the Browns in a single game.
"It feels real good. It felt better to see my guys – I feel like each of them got a sack," Garrett said. "I feel like all the guys were winning their rushes and doing their thing, so that's the thing I'm most excited about and that put a smile on my face. Being able to have the franchise record, I kind of expect that of myself. Continue to set the bar higher and higher. And I feel like I had an angel watching over me today."
Alongside the sacks, the defense added 13 tackles for loss against the Raiders, keeping them from advancing the ball forward through the run game. Las Vegas finished the game with 60 net rushing yards, while RB Ashton Jeanty totaled 50 rushing yards on 17 carries – with his longest run of the day for 12 yards. Smith added eight rushing yards on three attempts while RB Raheem Mostert recorded one carry for two yards.
With their ability to stop the run and pressure Smith, the Browns forced the Raiders to punt eight times over the course of the game and turn the ball over on downs twice. Garrett also forced the Browns' lone takeaway of the game on a strip-sack of Smith late in the fourth quarter, which Collins recovered.
"Being able to stop the run almost completely with a guy who is going to be very special here soon and just making them predictable," Garrett said. "Being able to pin your ears back and hunt, we live for moments like that. And I'm so proud of how they rushed and putting together a historic day for us."
See the best photos as the Cleveland Browns celebrate their [SCORE] win over the Raiders on November 23, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns celebrate after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Browns after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on November 23, 2025 at Allegiant Stadium.
Rookies demonstrate impact on offense and defense
The 2025 rookie class continues to display positive impact across the board, with the Browns' win over the Raiders the latest example of how they affect the game.
"All the rookies are extremely special," Sanders said. "We definitely want to come in and create change, and we have those conversations. We talk about what we got to do and be proactive, not reactive. We got to bring the energy sometimes. Not saying the vets don't, but it's just on the offensive side of the ball, we struggle sometimes, so we need somebody to be that match. We need somebody to be that light. So, I'm thankful that we got all the different types of duos over there, all the different key players on the offensive side of the ball and there's some hungry dogs that are still out there that haven't been a part of the travel squad yet."
Not only did Sanders lead the offense down the field, but Judkins put the Browns on the board with two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter. On both drives the Browns lined up in the wildcat formation, and Judkins took the direct snap to the run the ball in for an 8-yard touchdown and a 2-yard touchdown.
Sampson scored Cleveland's third touchdown of the game on a 66-yard reception from Sanders. Sampson caught a pass from Sanders out of the backfield, followed his blockers and broke through to run down the length of the field and into the end zone. Not only was the touchdown Sanders' first passing touchdown, but it was also Sampson's second receiving touchdown.
The rookies continued to impact the offense, as Sanders connected with Bond on the 52-yard pass late in the first quarter. In the third quarter, Sanders threw a short pass in space to Fannin, which Fannin turned into a 15-yard gain as he fought through tackles to get the first down. Fannin finished the game with four receptions for 40 yards, and his longest catch of the day for 17 yards.
"Harold and IB [Isaiah Bond] on those two plays in particular, those are very trustworthy players," Stefanski said. "Those are guys that you feel confident as a quarterback that they're going to be where they're supposed to be. I thought Harold was outstanding. His run after catch showed up in this game."
Rookie punt returner Gage Larvadain kicked the game off with a key punt return early in the first quarter. Following the Raiders' first offensive possession that stalled, Larvadain fielded the punt. He took off down the field and was tripped P A.J. Cole at the Las Vegas 27-yard line in the first quarter. The penalty allowed the Browns to have their first play of the possession at the 13-yard line.
Defensively, DT Mason Graham and LB Carson Schwesinger made their presence known. Graham recorded five tackles, one tackle for loss and a pass defensed, while Schwesinger led the team with 10 tackles – his third game with double-digit tackles this season.
"(Graham) just continues to develop his rushes, his rush plan," Garrett said. "I think guys are underestimating the rush talent that we have across the line. These guys are continuing to give guys problems. He's going to start turning those pressures and those hits into sacks. We know he will, and I'm looking forward to seeing how he does the rest of the season."
