Saints Host Browns as Watson Sits Out

New Orleans and Cleveland meet at the Superdome with Cleveland's starting quarterback in NFL concussion protocol.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Football

The New Orleans Saints (2-5) host the Cleveland Browns (5-3) at the Superdome on November 8, 2026, with a noon kickoff. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was placed in the NFL's concussion protocol this week and has missed multiple practices, making it unlikely he will play.

Why it matters

A Saints win would keep New Orleans within one game of first place in the NFC South after a bye week and a loss in Paris to the Steelers. For Cleveland, the status of its starting quarterback affects its hold on a 5-3 record.

The Saints and Browns have met 20 times, with Cleveland holding a 13-7 all-time edge, and New Orleans won the most recent meeting 35-14. Watson's availability remains unresolved, and the extraction does not say whether he will be cleared before kickoff.

The players

Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson is a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns who was placed in the NFL's concussion protocol this week.

Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders is a quarterback who has been preparing to play in the Superdome for the Browns if Watson is unable to play.

The details

The Browns will reportedly turn to Shedeur Sanders if Watson is unable to play, and Sanders has been preparing to play in the Superdome. The Saints are coming off a bye week after losing to the Steelers in Paris, France.

November 17, 2024: Saints beat Browns 35-14 in their last meeting.
November 8, 2026: Saints host Browns at the Superdome with a noon kickoff.

Season Trajectory

The Saints' 2-5 start leaves them one game behind first place in the NFC South, so this home game carries weight in their division race. The Browns' 5-3 record puts them in a stronger position, and the availability of their starting quarterback will test that standing.

The game's outcome affects NFC South standings, with New Orleans trailing the division leader by one game. Fantasy managers relying on Cleveland's passing offense will need to track Watson's status before kickoff at noon.

The takeaway

Check the final injury report before noon kickoff, since Deshaun Watson's status will shape how much weight Cleveland's passing game can carry. Fans tracking the NFC South should watch whether a Saints win keeps them within reach of the division lead.