Browns to start Shedeur Sanders vs. Saints with Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol

The Cleveland Browns faced adversity in their Week 8 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with their offense and defense struggling. The team has since relinquished their lead in the AFC North to their fiercest division rivals. Deshaun Watson and the Browns' offense encountered difficulties in both passing and rushing plays. However, Watson's mobility had previously helped him throughout the season until it was exposed against Pittsburgh after Week 4.

In Week 9, the Browns will face their division rivals, the New Orleans Saints. The NFC South team has struggled this season and could be vulnerable when facing the improved Browns team. The Browns will be playing with a chip on their shoulder, aiming to reclaim their position in the AFC North.

The game will be televised on CBS at 1:00 p.m. EST/ Noon CST. The Browns' offensive and defensive statistics for this season show a point spread of 17.4 points scored and 21.6 points allowed. The Saints have similar statistics, scoring an average of 23.1 points and allowing 27.7 points per game.

Coaches Todd Monken and Kellen Moore will clash for the first time, with Monken in his first season as a Browns head coach, and Moore entering his second season. The Browns have made strategic offseason moves, including signing Zion Johnson (Guard), Elgton Jenkins (Center), Kalia Davis (Linebacker), and Tylan Wallace (Defensive Line). The Saints have also strengthened their roster, securing David Edwards (Offensive Line), Travis Etienne (Running Back), and Martin Emerson (Punter) among other key players.

Rookies to watch for the Browns include Spencer Fano (Offensive Tackle), KC Concepcion (Wide Receiver), Denzel Boston (Wide Receiver), Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S), Austin Barber (Offensive Tackle), Joe Royer (Tight End), and Carsen Ryan (Tight End). The Saints will also be relying on rookies like Justin Jefferson (Wide Receiver), Joe Royer (Tight End), and Carsen Ryan (Tight End) to make an impact in their first season with the team.