The Cleveland Browns kick off what is expected to be a rough 2026 season in six days when they go on the road to face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Browns come into the season with a new coaching staff, a new quarterback (in a way), and a defense that is without Myles Garrett for the first time since the 2016 season.
This Browns team will have to make adjustments in 2026, and it all starts with a tough matchup against a Jaguars squad with its eyes on another AFC South title and more. Cleveland will have a lot to overcome against a talented Jacksonville team, but perhaps something bold can happen?
We have three bold predictions for the game heading into their matchup on Sunday.
Jared Verse makes folks forget about Myles Garrett for a moment, securing two sacks
Jared Verse should be able to create some chaos in the backfield
of the Jaguars on Sunday. The Jacksonville offensive line has gotten better over the years, but they rely heavily on the pocket presence and mobility of Trevor Lawrence to bail them out at times. I believe Verse can keep things interesting for a time and bring down the former No. 1 overall pick twice on Sunday.
Deshaun Watson has more turnovers than touchdowns
The Jacksonville Jaguars have one of the more underrated defensive units in the NFL. They generate a decent pass rush with Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen coming off the edge. Their linebackers and secondary also showcase themselves as having decent coverage ability as well to complicate matters. All of that combines to lead me to believe the Browns lose the turnover battle, with Watson being a part of at least two of them. Whether it be a strip sack or interceptions, the turnover battle will be lost as a direct result of their quarterback.
Defense continues its passing yards streak
The Cleveland Browns have gone an impressive 45 games in a row without giving up 300+ passing yards to an opposing quarterback. The record is held by the Indianapolis Colts with 52 games, and I think the Browns got one game closer to that mark by containing Trevor Lawrence in Week 1. The former top pick has shown to be a franchise quarterback in the last couple of seasons, and the team has built around him. However, catching him in Week 1, when teams are working through things, will benefit the Browns' defense enough to keep the streak alive.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: 3 Bold predictions for the Browns Week 1 matchup with the Jaguars
