Aside from what appears to be a strong 2025 rookie class, there hasn’t been much reason for optimism for the Cleveland Browns and their fans this year.
Week 13 came with a rare sliver of hope. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, fresh off last week’s blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders, was making his home debut. The Browns also had some added home-field advantage, with the San Francisco 49ers traveling East to play inside the frigid and windy confines of Huntington Bank Stadium.
Those giving the Browns a chance to pull off the upset were proven right during Sunday’s first half.