Shedeur Sanders has become one of the most talked-about young players in the league, and his rise comes with real momentum behind it. An analyst recently sparked the conversation by saying Shedeur Sanders could actually push his way into the Offensive Player of the Year race if he closes the season the right way.
“I think he’s the offensive rookie of the year if he wins all four games,” he said, pointing directly at Shedeur’s ability to stack efficient, productive starts in limited action. Then he added a twist. “If he plays well but doesn’t win, I think you see it cuz they are already gonna give Shedeur the uh, defensive rookie of the year.”
He went further, noting how unlikely it would be for a struggling team like Cleveland to sweep both major rookie awards. “I don’t think they would want to give the Browns as bad as they’ve been two rookie of the years.”
Meanwhile, he emphasized that,”If Shedeur plays well and wins four games in a row, then he’ll be what 5 and 2 to end the year… then at that point yeah, I think he’s your rookie, the offensive rookie of the year.”
What’s Shedeur Sanders’ Real Shot at OPOY in a Crowded 2025 Race?
Stack Shedeur Sanders against today’s top Offensive Player of the Year candidates, and the picture gets sharp fast. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is running away with headlines, leading the NFL with 1,428 receiving yards and eight 100+ yard games, chasing a single-season receiving record.
Jahmyr Gibbs has 1,062 rushing yards and 13 rushing TDs, a centerpiece of Detroit’s offense. Jonathan Taylor is leading the league in rushing yards, touchdowns, first downs, and touches, driving his MVP-type campaign.
Christian McCaffrey is on pace for a rare 1,000 rushing/1,000 receiving season, something only three players have done. Puka Nacua and Ja’Marr Chase are posting elite receiving totals despite injury and other setbacks.
So where does Shedeur land? Through four starts he has 769 passing yards, 5 TDs, 3 INTs, and an 80.9 passer rating with a 364-yard, three-TD, one rushing TD breakout performance in Week 14.
Shedeur’s 364-yard game was an NFL first for a rookie this season and put him on the map, but his season totals lag far behind the raw production of the OPOY contenders.
Quarterbacks can win OPOY, but only with MVP-level numbers. He’d need a historic finish, a massive surge in yards, touchdowns and efficiency to realistically overtake leaders like Smith-Njigba and Gibbs. Right now it’s possible, but unlikely unless everything clicks at once.
Fans Showed Mixed Reactions
Supporters of Shedeur Sanders showed real pride but stayed realistic about the climb ahead. One said, “As a supporter of Shedeur, this is definitely grading on a curve, but I’ll take it considering all the obstacles it took just to be in the conversation. But trust me… the hate would get even stronger after that.”
Others didn’t buy the idea at all, blaming everything from coaching to the league structure itself. “By NO MEANS will the NFL and Kevin Stefanski allow Shedeur to win all 4 games. It would take God’s intervention to make that happen.”
Skeptics questioned the hype. “Wrong wrong wrong, I have listened to your betting history and it’s bad. Man you guys at 850 are sure drinking this Sanders cool-aid. 1.5 qtrs of good ball against the Titans. We shall see.” Another added, “If Brock Purdy didn’t win it in 2023, it’s not happening for Shedeur, it’ll probably still go to Egbuka or Tet.”
Some fans tried to keep it simple. “Technically that’s true, but not realistic at all.”
Others pointed at the challenge ahead. “C’mon E. He’s gotta do more than finish the season strong. He’s gotta win the next 4 games. Nothing less.”
And a few kept hope alive. “Anything is possible….” Another wondered, “Has a QB played 7-8 games and won ROTY? Without a winning record?”
In the end, one fan summed up the mood perfectly: “Alright yall we don’t have to get carried away lol let’s let the young man play and see what’s up.”
Shedeur Sanders’ path to Offensive Player of the Year is steep, filled with skeptics and big benchmarks. But if he keeps producing at a high level and leads Cleveland to wins, the conversation won’t just stay alive, it could explode. Fans can doubt, analysts can debate, but at the end of the day, Shedeur Sanders has the talent to make them all pay attention.
Also Read: Shedeur Sanders Outperforms Tom Brady In First 3 Career Stats
In my Opinion.He has already demonstrated reasons.Why is deserving this title.Proof in character,actions,and humility.If he doesn’t receive it.We all know why.