Shedeur Sanders waiver wire: Should you pick Browns QB for Week 12 fantasy football?

After about seven months, Shedeur Sanders' time has finally come. Although he slid into Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders' first start was not much later than most rookies. Of course, Sanders could have found himself in Cam Ward's shoes, starting in the first offensive snap of the team's season. However, Week 12 is not the worst-case scenario overall.

The question is whether Sanders is worthy of the wait for fantasy football managers. Sanders has been available on the waiver wire in most leagues all year long. However, this is the first time all year that managers are asking themselves if it's worth taking the plunge.

Shedeur Sanders fantasy outlook for Week 12

Shedeur Sanders at Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns - Source: Imagn

According to Cleveland Browns media, Shedeur Sanders will make his first-ever start in Week 12. Dillon Gabriel continues to battle a concussion sustained against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11, so Sanders will start in his stead. Joe Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, so there was no choice at the moment.

Nevertheless, Sanders now has an opportunity. He saw time in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens, completing just 25% of his passes for 47 yards, zero touchdowns, and an interception. Expect a better result in Week 12 with time to prepare with the starters.

However, one of the biggest rules of fantasy football is never to start a rookie quarterback in his first start. Cam Ward's first start on Sept. 7 this season saw him earn just 112 yards with a 42.9% completion percentage. Last year, Bo Nix earned just 138 passing yards and threw two interceptions.

Should fantasy managers start Shedeur Sanders in 2025?

Shedeur Sanders at Baltimore Ravens v Cleveland Browns - NFL 2025 - Source: Getty

Shedeur Sanders should be considered as an emergency option only in most fantasy football situations. The Cleveland Browns face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12, which sounds like a good idea on paper. However, Pete Carroll has faced rookie quarterbacks many times in his career and knows how to handle them, even if his own season is falling apart at the seams.

That said, Sanders is worthy of a bench spot on your fantasy football roster if you can get him off the waiver wire. He is not worth trading for, as most rookie quarterbacks struggle in their first month. However, if he can somehow catch lightning in a bottle and you have him ready and waiting on your bench, you will be protected against any Tuesday sweepstakes for the quarterback.

Suppose Sanders can stay above 20 points over the next two games and hold onto the starting job. Managers should then feel safe about starting him on Dec. 7 against the Tennessee Titans and Chicago Bears on Dec. 14. However, if he struggles like he did against the Baltimore Ravens, Sanders' value is little more than a decoration or a talking piece on your fantasy football bench.