Shedeur Sanders is confident heading into his first NFL start: 'I know I'm the guy'

As expected, Shedeur Sanders will make his first NFL start on Sunday as the Cleveland Browns travel to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders.

The former Colorado QB took over for Dillon Gabriel in the second half of last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens after Gabriel left with a head injury. While Gabriel's status isn't yet known, the Browns made the decision on Wednesday that Sanders would start this week as Gabriel continues to recover.

Sanders struggled off the bench last week, completing just 4-of-16 passes as the Browns blew a second-half lead and lost 23-16 to the division rival Ravens. Sanders completed his first two passes before going just 2-of-14 to end the game, though he did drive Cleveland down into scoring range late in the fourth quarter with a chance to tie the game.

Sanders was disappointed with his performance off the bench, but he's never been one to be short of confidence. With a full week of preparation, Sanders should be much better equipped to play this week against the Raiders.

"I'm doing everything I need to do to prepare to be the best version of myself as possible," Sanders told reporters on Wednesday. "With the circumstances, everything got to be sped up, and that's great; I like pressure in life. I'm just excited for everything. ...I feel like I'm the guy, I know I'm the guy."

Shedeur Sanders to make his first NFL start on Sunday

This has been a long time coming this season for the former Colorado star. After an NFL Draft free-fall saw him go from being a first-round pick all the way to the fifth round, this opportunity was never guaranteed.

Sanders opened Training Camp as Cleveland's QB4, behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Gabriel, whom the Browns drafted two rounds ahead of him in April.

The Browns ultimately traded Pickett during the preseason, and then dealt Flacco to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals during the season, and turned the keys over to Gabriel with Sanders as the backup.

But this is Sanders' opportunity to prove himself. Gabriel hasn't exactly lit the world on fire as the Browns' starter. His 30.9 QBR ranks 32nd in the NFL among qualified passers.

If Sanders can go out and play at a high level, perhaps he'll get further opportunity as the Browns starter even after Gabriel returns from injury.