Browns QB Battle: Still No Clear Winner

Neither Deshaun Watson nor Shedeur Sanders has won the job yet — and coach Todd Monken has made it clear this will be a battle that bleeds into training camp and preseason games. Here's the full picture:

Where Things Stand

• Late May OTAs: Watson had an early edge, looking sharp on explosive plays downfield to Jerry Jeudy and Denzel Boston (from the Deshaun Watson page).
• Mandatory Minicamp (June 10-11): First-team reps were split evenly. Monken refused to name a starter, saying: "I'm not going to name a No. 1. I can't differentiate the two without pads or live action." He'll need to see preseason games before deciding.
• Stats from minicamp: Watson went 90/133 (13 TDs, 3 INTs) — nearly double Sanders' TD rate. Sanders threw 79/113 (5 TDs, 3 INTs) but showed late-week momentum.
• The concerning part: Monken used the word "embarrassing" to describe interceptions thrown by both QBs in 7-on-7 drills. Accuracy issues plagued both throughout.
• Timeline: The decision likely won't come until late August, just before the regular season. The Browns' first preseason game is August 15 against Chicago.

What the Experts Say

Sal Vetri noted that Watson is "currently the favorite to start" but added: "if he struggles — which he probably will at this point — Shedeur Sanders is there. It's not great." ()

Underdog Fantasy's Josh & Hayden described the QB room as "Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders" with Sanders remaining a "lightning rod of a topic" — acknowledging the uncertainty. ()

Fantasy Takeaway

For fantasy purposes, neither QB is a confident target right now. Watson has the veteran experience and a slight statistical edge from minicamp, but his durability is a massive red flag (he's missed 38+ games in three seasons with Cleveland). Sanders is a fifth-round rookie who threw 10 INTs in 7 starts last year. The Browns' offense has some intriguing young weapons (KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston, Harold Fannin Jr.), but the QB uncertainty makes this a situation to avoid in redraft leagues until a starter is actually named.