Browns vs. Bills takeaways

Jacob Camenker

• Shedeur Sanders should be Browns starting QB. Sanders hasn’t been perfect during the preseason, but he showed a lot of growth across his two outings. Notably, he looks far more comfortable in the pocket than he did as a rookie and showed a great command of Todd Monken’s offense. By comparison, Deshaun Watson struggled in his backup role, so giving Sanders, the younger of the two quarterbacks, the reins would be the most sensible path forward for Cleveland.
• Shedeur Sanders needs to continue honing ball placement. Sanders had a tremendous outing against the Bills, but his lone blemish was an interception he threw in the direction of Jermaine Terry. The ball was slightly behind Terry, and the tight end deflected it into the air, which allowed it to be intercepted by Damar Hamlin. That was one of Sanders’ lone mistakes, but it highlights his need to continue improving his consistency when it comes to accuracy and ball placement.
• Ja’Mori Maclin shows off explosiveness for Bills. Maclin had a 71-yard touchdown grab during which he got an angle on Cleveland’s defense and outran them toward the end-zone. The 24-year-old is on the smaller side at 5-11, 183 pounds, but his explosiveness could help him earn a roster spot with the Bills.

Bills cruise to 31-7 win over the Browns

Jacob Camenker

The Bills are in victory formation and are bleeding the last of the clock from their game against the Browns. Buffalo earned a convincing 31- 7 victory during which their backup quarterbacks, Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele, both played well.

Meanwhile, Cleveland suffered its second consecutive preseason blowout but should now have the information needed to choose a winner of its quarterback battle.

Browns go three-and-out on Dillon Gabriel’s first drive

Jacob Camenker

Gabriel didn’t fare well in the team’s first preseason game. His first draft in preseason Week 2 was much of the same, as the lefty led the Browns to a three-and-out while losing three yards on his first drive of the game.

The Browns punted the ball back to the Bills, and Buffalo will look to run most of the remaining six minutes of Saturday’s game off the clock.

Bills vs. Browns score update: Shane Buechele runs for 5-yard touchdown

Jacob Camenker

The Bills are cruising toward a win over the Browns in their second preseason game. Buechele scrambled into the end-zone on a 5-yard run to give Buffalo a 24-point lead with just under seven minutes remaining.

The Browns are preparing to have Dillon Gabriel enter the game at quarterback on the ensuing drive.

Bills 31, Browns 7

Deshaun Watson overthrows Malachi Corley, throws behind Luke Floriea to end drive

Jacob Camenker

Watson had an opportunity to hit Corley for a big gain, but he put the ball a step in front of his receiver. The Browns then decided to go for it on fourth-and-6, but Watson was unable to get the ball to Floriea, throwing it well behind him for the turnover on downs.

That will likely mark the end of the day for Watson. He finishes having completed just 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards and an interception.

Bills leading 24-7 after three quarters

Jacob Camenker

The Bills are leading the game, but the biggest story is that Shedeur Sanders has thus far outplayed Deshaun Watson in the Browns quarterback battle.

Sanders completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, one touchdown and an interception in the first half while looking good in the pocket. Meanwhile, Watson completed just 4 of 9 passes for 30 yards and an interception in his quarter of action.

Watson was originally expected to play the third quarter, but the Browns offense was still on the field when the quarter break came. He may be allowed to finish his drive, but that will likely be his only opportunity to try to bounce back in what looks like a winning day for Sanders.

Bills vs. Browns score update: Ja’Mori Maclin blazed for 71-yard TD

Jacob Camenker

Shane Buechele found Maclin breaking open over the middle of the field. The undrafted receiver was able to outrun the Browns defense to the sideline before gaining an angle to turn up-field. He was able to turn on the burners and get into the end-zone for another score.

Tyler Bass made the extra point, and the Bills are now up by 17.

Bills 24, Browns 7

Deshaun Watson intercepted by Te’Cory Couch

Jacob Camenker

Watson initially did better on his third drive than his first two drives. The veteran started the drive with a 20-yard completion to Malachi Corley and showed off his mobility on a 10-yard scramble.

However, the drive ended unceremoniously, as Watson sailed a pass in the direction of Gage Larvadain. The 5-8 receiver wasn’t able to come down with the ball, and Couch caught it on the deflection.

How did Shedeur Sanders play? Instant analysis, grade

Jacob Camenker

Sanders looked much better in his second 2026 preseason outing. The second-year quarterback was in control throughout the afternoon and showed off his abilities as a pocket passer.

During his rookie season, one criticism of Sanders was that he never quite looked comfortable in the pocket. He often ran backward when pressured, which resulted in some ugly sacks.

Through two preseason games, Sanders has looked much better operating out of the pocket. Against the Bills, he showed a willingness to hang in amid pressure and, more importantly, step up to make throws when under heat.

As a direct result of this altered tendency, Sanders was largely able to avoid negative plays. He demonstrated great rhythm throughout the contest, with his timing, field-reading capabilities and command of Todd Monken’s offense standing out.

The lone blemish on Sanders’ outing was his interception, which occurred late in the second quarter. He had a window to hit Jermaine Terry, but the second-year quarterback placed the throw slightly behind the tight end.

Grade: B+

See a full breakdown of Sanders’ performance against the Bills.

Bills vs. Browns score update: Tyler Bass makes 52-yard field goal

Jacob Camenker

Shane Buechele replaced Kyle Allen at quarterback on the Bills’ first drive of the second half. He wasn’t able to lead Buffalo on a touchdown drive, but he did help the team get into field goal range.

Bass was called on to attempt a 52-yard field goal. He was able to sneak it just inside the left upright, allowing Buffalo to extend its lead.

Bills 17, Browns 7

Deshaun Watson leads Browns to 3-and-out on opening possession

Jacob Camenker

Watson wasn’t able to complete a pass on his first drive, going 0 of 2 and leading to a quick Browns punt. Shedeur Sanders threw just two incompletions during his entire half of action, so Watson will want to rapidly improve as he looks to stake his claim to the starting job.

Deshaun Watson replaces Shedeur Sanders in second half

Jacob Camenker

Sanders’ day is done. He completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, one touchdown and one interception before making way for Watson.

Watson was met with a smattering of boos as he came onto the field despite the pro-Cleveland crowd.

Bills leading Browns 14-7 at halftime

Jacob Camenker

Both the Bills and Browns showed well in a first half that was extended by an hour-long lightning delay. Buffalo will take a lead into halftime after seeing Kyle Allen complete 10 of 12 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown while performing well in relief of Josh Allen.

Shedeur Sanders was granted an opportunity to play the entire first half for the Browns. The result? Sanders completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, one touchdown and an interception. The turnover was Sanders’ lone blemish, as the ball glanced off tight end Jermaine Terry after being thrown slightly behind him, but overall, it was a strong outing for the second-year quarterback.

The Browns will get the ball first after halftime, when Deshaun Watson is expected to take over for Sanders at quarterback.

Bills vs. Browns score update: Kyle Allen throws 9-yard TD to Mecole Hardman

Jacob Camenker

The Bills were able to convert on their two-minute drill, which was capped by Allen dumping a screen pass to Hardman. The Super Bowl champion was able to weave through Cleveland’s defense to get the score and give Buffalo a lead heading into the half.

Tyler Bass made the extra point, putting the Bills up seven with 15 seconds left in the half.

Bills 14, Browns 7

Browns go three-and-out in 2-minute drill

Jacob Camenker

Shedeur Sanders couldn’t take advantage of his opportunity with the 2-minute drill. The Browns went three-and-out, so the Bills will now have just over a minute to mount a scoring drive before halftime.

Shedeur Sanders to get chance at 2-minute drill

Jacob Camenker

The Browns were able to force the Bills into a punt for a third consecutive drive. Now, Cleveland and Shedeur Sanders will get a chance to run the 2-minute drill.

Sanders will have 1:48 of game time and three timeouts to get the Browns into scoring range. They will start from their own 17-yard line.

Shedeur Sanders intercepted after Jermaine Terry drops pass

Jacob Camenker

Sanders completed the first eight passes of his outing, but that came to an end after he threw a pass toward Jermaine Terry. The throw was slightly behind the tight end, and he wasn’t able to bring it in. It deflected into the air and was brought down by Damar Hamlin, who created the first turnover of the game.

After the interception, Sanders is now 8 of 9 passing for 80 yards, one touchdown and an interception.

Browns stall out on second offensive drive

Jacob Camenker

Shedeur Sanders didn’t make any major mistakes on the drive. In fact, he did well to step up into the pocket to avoid pressure and turn what could have been a sack into a marginal gain.

Nonetheless, the Browns stalled out after getting one first down, forcing them to punt.

Bills and Browns tied at 7 after first quarter

Jacob Camenker

The Browns vs. Bills game was delayed for about an hour by lightning, but neither offense suffered badly from the delay. Buffalo and Cleveland each scored on their opening drives, and Shedeur Sanders scored his first touchdown of the preseason after hitting Luke Floriea for an 8-yard score.

Sanders has looked good thus far in his first preseason start. He completed all four of his passes for 43 yards and the touchdown on his opening drive as he looks to challenge Deshaun Watson for Cleveland’s starting job.

Bills vs. Browns score update: Shedeur Sanders hits Luka Floriea for TD

Jacob Camenker

On a third-and-7, Sanders once again showed well while scanning the field to find an open receiver. The second-year quarterback demonstrated good rhythm while hanging in the pocket had plenty of time to find Floriea, who managed to get wide open in the back of the end-zone.

Andre Szmyt makes the extra point, and the Browns and Bills are now all tied up.

Bills 7, Browns 7

Shedeur Sanders hits Blake Whiteheart for 16-yard gain on fourth-and-2

Jacob Camenker

Todd Monken opted to go for it on Cleveland’s first offensive drive of the day. Sanders took the snap and hung in the pocket for a while, scanning the field before finding Whiteheart breaking open over the middle of the field for a 16-yard gain.

Sanders showed good poise in the pocket on the throw and looked calm as he tried to find the open man.

Browns vs. Bills score update: Ray Davis punches in 1-yard TD

Jacob Camenker

The Bills were able to turn their first drive into a touchdown, even though it was split by an hour-long rain delay. It took Davis three tries on the goal-line to work his way into the end-zone, but he the Kentucky product was finally able to hammer his way in on third-and-goal.

Tyler Bass makes the extra point, and the Bills have an early 7-0 lead.

Bills 7, Browns 0

Browns vs. Bills official resumes after lightning delay

Jacob Camenker

Kyle Allen completed a 17-yard play-action pass to Trent Sherfield to restart the action. The teams had played just 1:49 of game-time before the delay, so the majority of Saturday’s matchup remains to be played.

Bills announce death of DT Ed Oliver’s son

Jacob Camenker

The Bills released a statement ahead of their preseason game against the Browns that the 2-year-old son of defensive tackle Ed Oliver had died.

The team did not disclose how Oliver’s son had died, but the Buffalo News reported that the child died in a drowning at the family’s home in suburban Houston on June 28.

“On behalf of the entire Buffalo Bills organization, we want to publicly express our condolences to Ed Oliver and his family on the devastating loss of his son. It’s an unthinkable tragedy for any parent. We will continue to support Ed and his family as we all grieve this tragic loss,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane said.

Oliver is not playing in Saturday’s preseason game, and he missed the Bills vs. Browns joint practices because of an unspecified injury.

Browns vs. Bills game updated start time

Jacob Camenker

The Browns vs. Bills preseason game will resume at 2:15 p.m. ET, the Browns announced in a social media post.

Buffalo will still have the ball after the hour-long rain delay, but whenever Cleveland gets on the field, Shedeur Sanders will get his chance to start.

Browns want Nick Chubb to retire as member of organization

Jacob Camenker

Chubb announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday, Aug. 21. Browns managing partner JW Johnson made it clear during an appearance on WEWS News 5’s pregame show that he wants the 30-year-old to retire as a member of the Browns.

“Hell of a career,” Johnson said. “We’re excited to get him back here and have him retire as a Brown as he rightfully should. Nick, if you’re watching and listening, we’re excited to get you back and get you back here as a Brown, buddy.”

Chubb spent seven of his eight NFL seasons with the Browns. His 6,843 rushing yards are the third-most in franchise history behind only Jim Brown (12,312) and Leroy Kelly (7,274).

Cleveland forecast for Browns vs. Bills game

Jacob Camenker

Thunderstorms are going to be a threat throughout the day in Cleveland on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). A “Severe Thunderstorm Watch” will remain in effect until 9 p.m. ET with “rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch” being listed as possible.

Below is a full look at the NWS’ forecast for Cleveland on Saturday.

• High temperature: 80 degrees
• Low temperature: 60 degrees
• Chance of precipitation: 80%
• Wind: 10 mph

There is also a “Flood Watch” in effect until 10 p.m. ET.

Browns vs. Bills weather update: Game delayed by lightning

Jacob Camenker

Those waiting to see Shedeur Sanders’ debut will have to wait. The Browns vs. Bills game has been delayed by lightning just a couple of minutes into Saturday’s action.

Is Kyle Allen related to Josh Allen?

Jacob Camenker

While each of the Buffalo Bills’ top quarterbacks share the same last name, they are not related.

Is Shedeur Sanders starting for Browns?

Jacob Camenker

Yes, Sanders is getting the start in the Browns’ second preseason game. Deshaun Watson got to start the first exhibition contest, but Cleveland’s coach Todd Monken made it clear each member of the quarterback competition would get a chance to start.

Sanders is expected to play the entire first half against the Bills before making way for Watson.

Who is the Buffalo Bills backup quarterback?

Jacob Camenker

Kyle Allen is the Bills’ backup quarterback. The 30-year-old is a nine-year NFL veteran who originally signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2018.

Allen has played for six different teams during his NFL career, posting a 7-12 record across 19 career starts and completing 62.5% of his career passes for 4,753 yards, 26 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. He last started a game in 2022 and is entering his second season with the Bills, with his first coming during the 2023 campaign.

Cleveland Browns QB depth chart

Jacob Camenker

The Browns currently have four quarterbacks on their roster. Below is a look at the pecking order within the unit, according to the team’s unofficial depth chart:

• Deshaun Watson OR Shedeur Sanders
• Dillon Gabriel
• Taylen Green

The loser of the Watson vs. Sanders battle will lost in as the team’s backup running back, which means Gabriel is currently the team’s third-stringer and Green the fourth-string quarterback.

Josh Allen, most Bills starters to sit vs. Browns

Jacob Camenker

Allen and the Bills starters played in preseason Week 1 as Buffalo broke in its new stadium. However, Allen isn’t expected to play in preseason Week 2, as NFL Media’s Cameron Wolfe reports “most Bills starters will sit” against the Browns.

Josh Allen’s backup, Kyle Allen, will get an opportunity to start as a result. The two quarterbacks are not related.

Browns QB taking the field for preseason Week 2

Jacob Camenker

Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel all entered the field together ahead of the Browns vs. Bills preseason game.

Sanders is expected to start Saturday’s game while Watson will get action in the third quarter. Gabriel will also likely see action at the end of the contest.

NFL games today: Saturday, Aug. 22

Jacob Camenker

A total of 10 NFL preseason games will be played on Saturday, Aug. 22. They are as follows:

• Detroit Lions vs. Washington Commanders, noon ET
• Cleveland Browns vs. Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. ET
• Indianapolis Colts vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET
• Minnesota Vikings vs. Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. ET
• Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints, 4 p.m. ET
• Miami Dolphins vs. New York Giants, 4 p.m. ET
• Cincinnati Bengals vs. Chicago Bears, 7 p.m. ET
• New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 7 p.m. ET
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 8:30 p.m. ET
• Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys, 10 p.m. ET

Former Browns star Nick Chubb announces retirement

Jacob Camenker

Chubb announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday, Aug. 21. The 30-year-old revealed his decision to walk away in an Instagram post.

“Football was a huge blessing in my life,” Chubb wrote, in part. “It opened so many doors, gave me opportunities I never could have imagined, and allowed me to meet some amazing people. I’m grateful for everyone I crossed paths with along the way, and I promise I took something from each of you.

“Thank you to my teammates, my coaches, the fans, my family, my friends, and anyone who ever cheered me on. Twelve year old me could have never imagined where this game would take us. But 30 year old me can look back and say we gave it everything we had.”

The Browns posted a congratulatory message to Chubb on social media after his retirement announcement.

Chubb played eight NFL seasons, his first seven coming with the Browns before he joined the Houston Texans in 2025. The Georgia product totaled 7,349 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns on 1,462 yards across 100 career games.

Shedeur Sanders stats from preseason Week 1

Jacob Camenker

Sanders entered the game in the third quarter and played three drives before making way for Dillon Gabriel. Sanders completed 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards but tossed an ugly interception on a ball thrown well over the head of Malachi Corley.

Sanders finished the game with just a 39.6 passer rating but he notably was the only one of Cleveland’s three quarterbacks to avoid being sacked. He also ran for three yards on two carries.

NFL preseason Week 2 schedule

Jacob Camenker

Thursday, Aug. 20

• Houston Texans vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
• Los Angeles Chargers vs. San Francisco 49ers, 10 p.m. ET

Friday, Aug. 21

• Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets, 7 p.m. ET
• Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Carolina Panthers, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers, 9 p.m. ET

Saturday, Aug. 22

• Detroit Lions vs. Washington Commanders, noon ET
• Cleveland Browns vs. Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. ET
• Indianapolis Colts vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET
• Minnesota Vikings vs. Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. ET
• Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints, 4 p.m. ET
• Miami Dolphins vs. New York Giants, 4 p.m. ET
• Cincinnati Bengals vs. Chicago Bears, 7 p.m. ET
• New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 7 p.m. ET
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 8:30 p.m. ET
• Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys, 10 p.m. ET

Sunday, Aug. 23

• Titans vs Seahawks at Nissan Stadium, 8 p.m. ET

What time is Browns vs Bills?

Jacob Camenker

Kickoff between Cleveland and Buffalo is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 22.

Browns vs Bills TV channel

Jacob Camenker

• TV channel (national):NFL Network
• TV channel (local): WEWS (Cleveland) | WIVB (Buffalo)
• Streaming: NFL+ | Fubo

Saturday’s Browns vs. Bills game will air on the NFL Network. Cord-cutters can stream the game on Fubo, which carries NFL Network, as well as CBS, NBC, Fox and the ESPN family of networks.

NFL+ Premium will also carry the entirety of the preseason, so streamers can use that service to watch the Browns-Bills contest.

Watch the NFL all season on Fubo

Deshaun Watson stats preseason Week 1

Jacob Camenker

Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards while playing the entire first half of the Browns’ 34-10 loss to the Bears. He finished the day with a 98.2 passer rating and added 4 yards on three rushes during the contest.

Watson also lost a fumble after being strip-sacked on a fourth down from just across midfield.