A big reason this game is so intriguing is because it will mark the NFL debut of Sanders, who famously dropped all the way down to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft before the Browns swooped in to take him with the 144th overall pick .

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders doesn't deserve to be under the most pressure of any rookie this season. But by way of being a Sanders, experiencing a historic fall, landing in a dysfunctional organization, and bringing some headlines onto himself, the football world will be tuned into NFL Network on Thursday night.

“Most of us have dreamt of this moment since we were 5 years old. For him to get out there and play, even though it is preseason, we will all be on the sidelines and at home enjoying it,” said Flacco.