NFL Analyst Predicts Browns With Shedeur Sanders Are a Playoff-Caliber Team in 2026

CBS Sports analyst Emory Hunt believes the Cleveland Browns could emerge as a playoff contender in 2026 if Shedeur Sanders continues to develop as their QB1.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:36pm

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The Cleveland Browns' long-term outlook has been a major topic of discussion following a disappointing 5-12 season in 2025. However, some analysts believe the team's record does not accurately reflect how competitive it was, and the combination of Shedeur Sanders' development, offseason roster upgrades, and continuity on defense could position Cleveland to become a playoff contender in 2026.

Why it matters

The Browns have struggled in recent years, but with a young quarterback in Shedeur Sanders and a revamped offensive line, there is optimism that the team could turn things around and become a playoff-caliber team in the near future. This would be a significant development for the franchise and its fanbase.

The details

According to CBS Sports analyst Emory Hunt, the Browns were more competitive in 2025 than their 5-12 record suggests, with several narrow losses to teams like the 49ers, Bills, Vikings, and Titans. Hunt believes the team's issues were more situational than a lack of overall talent, and that with offseason improvements to the offensive line and receiving corps, as well as a full offseason for Sanders to learn the system, the Browns could emerge as a playoff contender in 2026.

  • The Browns finished the 2025 season with a 5-12 record.
  • Shedeur Sanders is expected to benefit from a full offseason in the Browns' system in 2026.

The players

Shedeur Sanders

The Browns' young quarterback who is expected to take a significant step forward in his second NFL season.

Deshaun Watson

The Browns' veteran quarterback who is expected to return healthy after missing the 2025 season while recovering from an Achilles injury.

Emory Hunt

A CBS Sports analyst who believes the Browns could emerge as a playoff contender in 2026.

Todd Monken

The Browns' first-year head coach who is focused on strengthening the team's offensive line to support Shedeur Sanders.

Andrew Berry

The Browns' general manager who has been aggressive in addressing the team's needs this offseason, including through free agency and the upcoming draft.

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What they’re saying

“The Browns were competitive last year. Special teams and going for it on 4th down, just bad situational football, doomed them. They had [the 49ers] game. They had the Bills game. They had the Vikings game. They had the Titans game. That tells you this team was closer to 8-9 or 9-8 than they were 5-12.”

— Emory Hunt, CBS Sports Analyst (BrownsNation.com)

“When you look at what they have in Shedeur Sanders, along with the run game that they have, they're building along the offensive line, the receiving core, and now you have a full offseason of everyone learning at the same pace with a defense that has a lot of the same pieces in place, I think the Browns are going to be one of those teams we're talking about Week 10, 11. I think this is a fun team to watch. I think this is a team that could be a playoff team pending they do things right in the offseason.”

— Emory Hunt, CBS Sports Analyst (BrownsNation.com)

“But Sanders might be the big winner here as the Cleveland Browns did precisely what first-year coach Todd Monken wanted — pouring into their offensive line. G Teven Jenkins re-signed, OL Tytus Howard arrived via trade, and Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins are both on the way to further fortify the interior. And more offensive upgrades are likely coming in the draft, where GM Andrew Berry owns a pair of first-round picks, including Jacksonville's. It should mean a magnificent opportunity for Sanders to assert himself as QB1 in 2026.”

— Nate Davis, USA Today Analyst (USA Today)

What’s next

The Browns will have to continue their offseason improvements to the offensive line and receiving corps, as well as ensure a smooth transition for Shedeur Sanders as he enters his second NFL season. The competition between Sanders and Deshaun Watson for the starting quarterback job will also be a key storyline to watch as the 2026 season approaches.

The takeaway

The Cleveland Browns have the potential to become a playoff-caliber team in 2026, but it will require Shedeur Sanders to continue his development, the offensive line and receiving corps to improve, and the team to avoid the situational mistakes that plagued them in 2025. If the Browns can put it all together, they could emerge as an entertaining and competitive team in the NFL's landscape.