What if the Browns’ best season means Shedeur Sanders never gets a start?

Matt Fontana and Ryan Tyler debate how much Deshaun Watson has earned with his late-game performances—and whether winning should take priority over finding out what Cleveland has in Sanders. Matt explains why Todd Monken is winning him over, while Ryan isn’t ready to rule out a Shedeur opportunity. Plus, Mason Graham’s impact, Harold Fannin Jr.’s emergence and the offensive penalties Cleveland can’t afford against Pittsburgh.

Charlie Batch and Trai Essex join for a Browns–Steelers preview with plenty of rivalry trash talk. They break down Aaron Rodgers, the challenge of blocking T.J. Watt, the battle in the trenches and whether Monken is building a Browns team Pittsburgh should take seriously. There are rivalry memories, pointed questions and a few reminders that neither side forgets much.

Then, Matt and Ryan disagree over Cleveland’s preferred ALDS opponent: the White Sox or Astros? We discuss the Guardians’ postseason outlook, the value of the first-round bye and why Cleveland’s sustained baseball success deserves more appreciation.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Browns are 2–1, the AFC North is wide open, and Thursday night against Pittsburgh could completely change the expectations in Cleveland.

On today’s BIGPLAY Cleveland, Jack O’Rourke, Chef Zae and Max Loeb break down what the Browns still need to prove before we can seriously start talking playoffs. Is Deshaun Watson’s dominant fourth-quarter production a sign that he’s turning a corner, or does Cleveland’s inconsistent offense still leave too many questions? Plus, what does Todd Monken need to clean up, which Browns playmakers deserve bigger roles, and where can Cleveland attack Pittsburgh on Thursday night?

Then former Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor joins the show to break down Mason Graham’s monster start, how Cleveland should attack Aaron Rodgers and Jaylen Warren, and what Pittsburgh’s defense will try to exploit against the Browns.

If Cleveland beats Pittsburgh and moves to 3–1, is it officially time to call the Browns a playoff contender?

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What if this Browns season is about more than getting to next year?

Cleveland is 2–1, and suddenly thinking bigger doesn’t feel quite so ridiculous. Hanford Dixon joins Jack O’Rourke, Chris McNeil and Chef Zae to discuss whether consecutive wins are a reason to raise expectations—and what it would take to turn this start into a playoff push.

We break down Deshaun Watson’s late heroics against Carolina, Mason Graham’s impact, Harold Fannin Jr.’s two-touchdown performance and the credit Todd Monken deserves. With Pittsburgh next, can the Browns give Cleveland another reason to believe?

Then it’s time to celebrate the AL Central champion Guardians—and get greedy. We debate the postseason pitching plan, who Cleveland should trust in its biggest innings and which hitter besides José Ramírez could help turn another division title into a deep October run.

Follow BIGPLAY Cleveland for daily Cleveland sports conversations, debates and reactions.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Guardians are back in October. How greedy should Cleveland get?

Jack O’Rourke, Chris McNeil, Ryan Tyler and Hanford Dixon celebrate the playoff clinch and debate what comes next. Would losing the division still feel like a letdown? How hard should Stephen Vogt push this weekend? And who should Cleveland trust with its biggest postseason innings?

Then Hanford breaks down Browns–Panthers and whether Deshaun Watson can build on his Tampa performance to help Cleveland reach 2–1. The conversation covers Todd Monken’s next test, the struggling running game and how the defense should approach Bryce Young.

Plus, can Watson win games without winning back the fans? The crew debates his reception at the home opener, Nick Chubb’s return to retire as a Brown and the unverified fan theory that the celebrations could soften the crowd’s reaction.

We finish with Browns predictions, Guardians weekend expectations and what would make this a Cleveland sports weekend worth remembering.

Follow BIGPLAY Cleveland for daily Cleveland sports conversations, debates and reactions.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Did we give up on the Browns too soon? A win over Carolina would put Cleveland at 2–1—and give fans a reason to rethink their expectations.

Bruce Drennan and Matt Fontana debate whether the Browns can build on the Tampa win and put together another complete performance. Can Deshaun Watson deliver again? What does Todd Monken need to get right against Carolina? And would a winning record signal real progress—or cover up problems that still need fixing?

The guys break down Cleveland’s path to victory, what could derail it and how much another win should change the conversation.

Plus, Bruce and Matt discuss the Guardians’ fight with the White Sox for the AL Central and what Cleveland needs to finish the job. They also look around the NFL and college football, weighing early impressions against what teams have actually proven.

Follow BIGPLAY Cleveland for daily Cleveland sports debates, reactions and conversations.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Browns won. Deshaun Watson delivered. Matt Fontana still isn’t buying the comeback.

Matt and Ryan Tyler debate how much Cleveland’s win in Tampa should change anyone’s opinion of Watson. Was Sunday something he can build on, or are Browns fans letting one good performance erase too many concerns? What would it take to turn Matt’s skepticism into confidence?

Todd Monken gets his credit, too, as the guys discuss the second-half adjustments that helped Cleveland turn the game around—and how to divide the praise between the quarterback and his coach.

Plus, should the Browns trade Jerry Jeudy? Matt and Ryan weigh his importance to the offense against what would make moving him worthwhile.

Then it’s the Guardians’ 3–2 win over Boston and the fight with the White Sox for the AL Central. Can Cleveland finish the job, and who needs to deliver when the division is on the line?

Follow BIGPLAY Cleveland for Browns, Guardians and Cleveland sports conversations every weekday.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How much patience did Deshaun Watson earn with one win?

Jack O’Rourke, Chef Zae and Ryan Tyler debate what Watson’s comeback against Tampa Bay actually changes. Did he earn room to work through a bad game—or would another rough Sunday put Shedeur Sanders right back at the center of Cleveland’s quarterback conversation?

Former Browns defensive lineman Phil Taylor joins to examine what earns trust inside a locker room, the defense’s response against the Buccaneers and Mason Graham’s impact up front. We also tackle the problem the win didn’t fix: Cleveland’s struggling running game. How much falls on the blocking, the backs and Todd Monken’s play-calling?

Then it’s on to Carolina. What would prove the Browns are building something—and would another ugly win be enough?

We finish with the Guardians’ division chase as Cleveland heads to Boston. Should Stephen Vogt manage like the playoffs have already started, and who needs to deliver down the stretch?

Listen to BIGPLAY Cleveland for daily Browns, Guardians and Cleveland sports conversation.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Are you buying Deshaun Watson’s comeback—or do you need to see it again?

After Watson helped the Browns beat Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers, Hanford Dixon joins BIGPLAY Cleveland to discuss what the performance actually changes. Did Watson earn back trust? Where does that leave Shedeur Sanders? And what did Cleveland’s defense do differently to finish the job?

We also unpack Todd Monken’s fiery response to the Browns’ critics and debate how much confidence one win should restore.

Then Jensen Lewis joins to break down the Guardians’ push to finish the AL Central race. From Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee to Joey Cantillo’s role and Cade Smith’s biggest outs, which pitchers should Cleveland trust with its season on the line?

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How much influence did Jimmy Haslam have in the Browns’ decision to start Deshaun Watson?

Bruce Drennan said on BIGPLAY Cleveland that a source inside the organization told him Haslam had a “BIG say so” in the decision. We’re discussing what that report could mean for Todd Monken’s authority, Shedeur Sanders’ opportunity and Cleveland’s next quarterback decision. Bruce’s account is a sourced claim—not independent confirmation that ownership dictated the outcome.

Former Browns quarterback Garrett Gilbert joins at noon to break down Cleveland’s offense, what Watson needs to show against Tampa Bay and how NFL teams should decide when to change quarterbacks.

PLUS: Cade Cracas joins at 12:30 PM ET to discuss the Guardians’ AL Central chase. Does Cleveland need to sweep the Athletics? How aggressively should the pitching staff be managed down the stretch—and can the Guardians finish the job?

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Guardians have taken first place. Now comes the hard part: keeping it.

Petey Halpin’s three-run homer helped Cleveland beat the White Sox 6–3 and move atop the AL Central. After back-to-back dramatic wins over Chicago, are the Guardians ready to take control of this division—or is the toughest stretch still ahead?

Today on BIGPLAY Cleveland, we’re breaking down Halpin’s huge moment, the confidence building around this team, and what Cleveland needs to do to finish the job. Who do you trust most when these games get tight—and what could still derail the division chase?

PLUS: Deshaun Watson’s comments about expectations add another layer to the Browns conversation. What’s actually a fair standard for him, how much responsibility belongs to Todd Monken, and what needs to change against Tampa Bay?

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Deshaun Watson debate isn’t going anywhere in Cleveland.

Todd Monken is sticking with Watson for Week 2 against Tampa Bay, but after an ugly season opener, how much longer can the Browns afford to wait?

Jack O’Rourke, Chef Zae and Max Loeb debate Watson’s future, when Shedeur Sanders should get his opportunity, and whether Cleveland’s problems go deeper than quarterback.

Then, former Browns defensive lineman Phil Taylor joins the show to give the player’s perspective on Watson, the Browns locker room, and what needs to change immediately.

Plus, Baker Mayfield gets another shot at his former team as the Browns prepare for Tampa Bay, and we check in on the Guardians’ push for the AL Central.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The quarterback debate is back in Cleveland — but would a change at quarterback actually fix what went wrong for the Browns?

Jack O’Rourke and Ryan Tyler are joined by Browns legend Hanford Dixon to break down Deshaun Watson, Cleveland’s defensive breakdowns, Todd Monken’s responsibility, and what needs to change moving forward.

Then, Jensen Lewis joins the show with first place in the AL Central on the line as the Guardians battle Chicago.

And Tyler Danburg breaks down Ohio State’s collapse at Texas — from the coaching decisions to Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On today’s BIGPLAY Cleveland, we’re going ALL BROWNS ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

We react to Myles Garrett’s rough Rams debut and debate whether Browns fans should be rooting against Los Angeles after the blockbuster trade. Then, we turn our attention to Jacksonville: What does Deshaun Watson need to show? How should Cleveland protect rookie Spencer Fano against Josh Hines-Allen? And can the Browns defense contain Trevor Lawrence?

Plus, the crew puts its Browns-Jaguars score predictions on the record, ranks the AFC North, and makes its Super Bowl picks for the 2026 NFL season.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bruce Drennan and Matt Fontana preview the Cleveland Browns’ Week 1 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars and discuss what they expect to see from Cleveland in the season opener. Plus, the Guardians continue their push for a playoff spot, and the Buckeyes gear up for their massive showdown against Texas.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What would make the 2026 Browns season a success? Matt Fontana & Ryan Tyler discuss the expectations for Cleveland this season, Deshaun Watson being named a Week 1 captain, and what matters most for the Browns in 2026. Plus, they look ahead to Ohio State–Texas, and Guardians legend Carlos Baerga joins the show to talk Cleveland baseball and the stretch run.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Former Cleveland Brown Phil Taylor joins BIGPLAY Cleveland as the Browns officially enter Week 1. How short should Deshaun Watson’s leash be, and how quickly could Shedeur Sanders enter the conversation if Watson struggles? Phil gives his perspective on Cleveland’s quarterback situation, the locker-room dynamics surrounding a QB controversy, the Browns’ new-look defensive front and what he expects against Jacksonville.

Plus, we turn to the Guardians after their 6–4 loss in Baltimore. Cleveland sits three games back in the AL Central, so we debate whether the division is still within reach, how much faith we have in this team down the stretch and what has to happen for the Guardians to play October baseball.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It’s officially Browns game week in Cleveland.

Browns legend Hanford Dixon joins the show to break down what Deshaun Watson needs to prove in Week 1, whether Cleveland made the right decision at quarterback, and how quickly the Shedeur Sanders conversation could return if Watson struggles.

Tyler Danburg joins us to react to Ohio State’s dominant 56–3 win over Ball State and look ahead to the massive showdown with Texas.

Plus, Jensen Lewis breaks down the Guardians’ huge series against Detroit after Cleveland took 3 of 4 — including three walk-off wins — and answers the question Cleveland fans are starting to ask: Can the Guardians actually win the AL Central?

BIGPLAY Cleveland covers the Browns, Guardians, Cavaliers and Ohio State every weekday with the biggest stories, debates and guests in Cleveland sports.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Cleveland Browns are officially turning their attention toward Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and all eyes are on Deshaun Watson. With Todd Monken committing to Watson as QB1, what does he need to show in the season opener to prove Cleveland made the right decision — and how confident should Browns fans actually be in this team entering 2026?

Plus, the Cleveland Guardians are fighting to stay alive in the AL Wild Card race after dropping a crucial series to the Toronto Blue Jays. We debate whether this Guardians team is truly built to make noise in October or whether Cleveland fans may need to accept that they're still another year away from legitimate World Series contention.

Then Tyler Danburg joins the show to preview Ohio State's 2026 season as the Buckeyes prepare to open against Ball State tomorrow. We break down the biggest questions surrounding Ohio State, Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, next week's massive matchup at Texas and whether this team has what it takes to win another National Championship.

Finally, we close the show with Cleveland Sports Court and Predicting Monday's Headlines as the crew puts some of Cleveland sports' biggest names — and the fans themselves — on trial.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Cleveland Guardians are fighting to hold onto their postseason position, but after an 11-0 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, the pressure is starting to build. Cleveland’s lead for the final AL Wild Card spot is down to just 1.5 games, with a massive rubber match against Toronto this afternoon. How concerned should Guardians fans be, and was last night’s blowout the wake-up call this team needed?

Then we turn to the Cleveland Browns, where Todd Monken continues to put his faith in Deshaun Watson as QB1. With Week 1 approaching, how much is Cleveland’s first-year head coach risking by betting on Watson — and what does Watson need to show early in the season to prove Monken made the right decision?

Plus, Ohio State football is BACK. The Buckeyes are preparing to kick off their 2026 season, and we break down expectations for Ohio State, the biggest questions entering the year and what it will take for the Buckeyes to make another run at a national championship.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Cleveland Browns are heading into Week 1 with Deshaun Watson as QB1, but Todd Monken's latest comments are raising even more questions. Monken admitted he hasn't watched Watson's film from his previous seasons in Cleveland, instead choosing to evaluate him with a clean slate.

Is Monken's approach the right way to handle Watson — or is the new Browns head coach already starting to sour some fans' opinions of him before his first regular-season game?

Plus, Carlos Baerga joins BIGPLAY Cleveland to break down the Guardians' huge win over the Toronto Blue Jays, Gavin Williams' dominance on the mound and what Cleveland needs to do down the stretch to secure a spot in the postseason.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy