JACKSONVILLE – Each week during the 2026 season, Jaguars "experts" – Frank Frangie, Brent Martineau, John Oehser, Brian Sexton, Mark Duffner, Austen Lane, John Shipley and Kainani Stevens – will analyze the following day's Jaguars matchup.
Up this week:
Frank Frangie, Radio Voice of the Jaguars
- The Jaguars will win if: They play well and don't beat themselves. They have the better team. That means continuing the growth the passing game showed from mid-season on a year ago, with Trevor Lawrence connecting with an exceptional group of receivers. It means continuing to be stout against the run. And it means improving while running the ball and rushing the passer.
- The Browns will win if: They play their best game and get help from the Jaguars. They probably need to win the turnover margin by at least two and need to find some rhythm offensively against a Jags team that has been very good against the run and expects to be better against the pass.
- As Frangie sees it: The Jaguars should win. They are at home, they are coming off a 13-victory season and they have one of the better teams in the league. The Browns, likely, do not. This should be a successful opener for Jacksonville.
Brent Martineau, Action Sports Jax Sports Director
- The Jaguars will win if: They are even or better in turnovers and run effectively. The Jaguars are the better team, so they just can't tilt the playing field with poor play in the season opener. It's hard to come out of the gates really fast in football. I think there will be some clunky play early from the Jaguars, but if they don't hand the Browns the ball and scoring opportunities, things should be good on the scoreboard.
- The Browns will win if: Watson plays better than anyone expects, and the defense dominates. Watson has done it before in Jacksonville and has a lot to prove out of the gates of this season. The Browns have a lot of new faces on offense, including a remade offensive line.
- As Martineau sees it: NFL season openers can be strange. I don't think this one will fall in that category. The Jaguars haven't played a snap of a real football game in eight months, so I think there will be some rough spots in the first half. The Jags are the better team and that will play out to the tune of a 24-10 victory.
Taking a blast to the past this Thursday! Glimpse memorable moments between the Cleveland Browns and the Jacksonville Jaguars before they kick off week 1 of the 2026 season.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell, right, chats with Cleveland Browns quarterback Ty Detmer after their game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 17, 1999. Brunell injured his ribs in the first half and did not play in the second half. The Jaguars won 24-7. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell (8) dives over Cleveland Browns defensive back Marquez Pope (23) and cornerback Daylon McCutcheon (33) for a 9-yard touchdown in the second quarter Sunday, Dec. 19, 1999 at the Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland. The Jaguars won 24-14. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jimmy Smith, right, catches a pass from quarterback Jonathan Quinn for 11 yards above the outstretched arms of Cleveland Browns' Corey Fuller in the second quarter Sunday, Sept. 30, 2001, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard (9) escapes the rush of Cleveland Browns' Kenard Lang in the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) run for yardage past Cleveland Browns linebacker Chris Gocong (51) during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010.(AP Photo/John Raoux)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Mike Thomas, left, flexes for fans as he gets a pat on the back by center Brad Meester (63) after a scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010.(AP Photo/John Raoux)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Mike Thomas (80) tries to get around Cleveland Browns safety Nick Sorensen (27) after catching a pass in the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Jeremy Mincey (94) celebrates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) scores the winning touchdown on a 1-yard run past Cleveland Browns safety Abram Elam (26) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010. Jacksonville Jaguars won 24-20.(AP Photo/John Raoux)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) is sacked by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Daryl Smith (52) and Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Jeremy Mincey (94) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010, in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville beat the Browns 24-20. (AP Photo/Stephen Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Mike Thomas (80) runs around the end during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32), center, runs through the Cleveland Browns defense during the second half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Jacksonville Jaguars kickoff team prepares during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, in Cleveland. Jacksonville won 32-28. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Jim Haslam, father of Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, stands on the field before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, in Cleveland. Jacksonville won 32-28. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne passes against the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013 in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks, left, runs from Cleveland Browns guard John Greco after recovering a fumble by Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden in the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) prepares to hand the ball off during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson, right, makes a catch in front of Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Storm Johnson, center, scores a touchdown between Cleveland Browns free safety Tashaun Gipson (39) and defensive end John Hughes (93) during the second half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Denard Robinson (16) and Jacksonville Jaguars running back Storm Johnson (34) celebrate Johnson's touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars beat the Browns 24-6. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Storm Johnson (34) rushes for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) scrambles away from Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard (97) and inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) during the second half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
FILE - In this Nov. 19, 2017, file photo, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette (27) rushes against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland. Fournette finished eighth in the NFL and fifth in the AFC in rushing despite missing three games. He averaged 3.9 yards a carry against the most eight- and nine-man boxes in the NFL. His average was buoyed by touchdown runs of 90 and 75 yards in consecutive games. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis catches a 10-yard pass for a touchdown as Cleveland Browns strong safety Derrick Kindred (26) is late on the tackle in the first half during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) intercepts the ball intended for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Corey Coleman (19) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette (27) rushes against Cleveland Browns inside linebacker James Burgess (52) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette (27) rushes against the Cleveland Browns in the first half during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (10) runs after catching a pass in front of Cleveland Browns linebacker Malcolm Smith (56) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard, center, runs after recovering a Cleveland Browns fumble as wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) gives chase during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Collin Johnson, left, makes a reception in front of Cleveland Browns safety Karl Joseph (42) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Tavon Austin (34) catches a pass in front of tight end Tim Tebow (85) and Cleveland Browns safety Jovante Moffatt (35) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) catches a pass for a touchdown while being defended by Cleveland Browns cornerback Mike Ford (28) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0), defended by Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23), catches short of the goal line during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (17) reacts after his 10-yard reception for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (17) catches a pass while being defended by Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit (22) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) looks to throw the ball during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) looks to throw the ball during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (17) is greeted by teammates after his 10-yard reception for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Darious Williams (31) is chased by Cleveland Browns guard Wyatt Teller (77) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is pressured by Cleveland Browns defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (0) runs after catching a pass as Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) runs the ball for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Browns defeated the Jaguars 18-13. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
John Oehser, jaguars.com senior writer
- The Jaguars will win if: They out-physical the Browns offensively and defensively. The Jaguars must run well against a strong Browns defensive front. They also must stop the run against a Browns team that wants to establish it. The Jaguars were good last season at being the most physical team in a game. They will need to be that Sunday.
- The Browns will win if: Watson creates something from nothing on third downs and the Browns stop the run enough to force the Jaguars into multiple bad third-down situations. Bad third downs can turn into turnovers and the Browns may need two or more of those by the Jaguars – and some third-down magic from Watson – to win Sunday.
- As Oehser sees it: The Jaguars should win this game. The thought here is the Browns will play stout and strong for a half, and some "Week 1 weirdness" could make this scary for the Jaguars around halftime. The Jaguars are the better team, and the better team often pulls away in the second half in weird Week 1 games.
Brian Sexton, jaguars.com senior correspondent
- The Jaguars will win if: Their reimagined running game can be effective against an excellent Browns defensive line. The running game declined over the final six games of last season, and the Jaguars still went 6-0. That's not sustainable. Imagine how explosive the offense can be with a consistent running game. They must keep the Cleveland defensive front guessing. Nothing does that like a powerful, productive running game.
- The Browns will win if: Quarterback Deshaun Watson reinvents himself after a season on the sideline. He's 7-0 as a starting quarterback against the Jaguars and always seemed able to evade pressure and keep plays alive or scramble for first downs. He's coming off an Achilles injury that in theory should slow him. In reality, the Jaguars must get to him and get him to the ground.
- As Sexton sees it: The Jaguars know how good they can be. The veterans won't waste the opportunity to get an early victory before the schedule turns nasty in Weeks 2-6. They know they can contend this season, which means winning at home and beating teams they should beat. They will be ready for Week 1.
Mark Duffner, longtime NFL assistant coach and Jaguars analyst
- The Jaguars will win if: They don't beat themselves. The first game of the season presents the most unknowns in terms of scheme and game plan from the opponent – especially when you face a new coaching staff like Cleveland has. The Browns game will present the most unscouted looks from the opponent in all three phases of the game. This game is "about us." Coaches and players must trust their preparation, technique, fundamentals and schemes. "Do what we do best" in this game plan to allow players to play clean, fast and physical.
- The Browns will win if: The Cleveland defensive front seven can disrupt Lawrence. The strength of the Browns' defense is in this group. The Jaguars must protect Lawrence to let him continue to operate the offense with the confidence and consistency he showed during the last half of last season, the spring and during training camp.
- As Duffner sees it: The Jaguars are the better team. Play like it. I really like how well the team finished training camp. They dominated the joint practice and the preseason game versus a good Tampa Bay team in all three phases. I expect them to carry that attitude, momentum and execution into Sunday. I believe this team is on a mission as they tasted success last season and that they want MORE. Jaguars win.
Check out top photos from the Jaguars' mid-week practice ahead of Week 1 of the 2026 Regular Season.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (6) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead (91) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars head coach Liam Coen during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Nick Mullens (14) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive lineman Anton Harrison (77) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars punter Logan Cooke (9) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones (4) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars tight end Nate Boerkircher (87) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter (12) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Christian Braswell (21) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Josh Cameron (19) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Jalen McLeod (35) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland (76) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (85) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead (91) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Quinn Ewers (10) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Christian Braswell (21) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown (1) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars tight end Nate Boerkircher (87) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (33) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end B.J. Green II (95) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (6) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead (91) and defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive line position group during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver CJ Williams (18) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Quinn Ewers (10) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars head coach Liam Coen during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 9, 2026.
Austen Lane, former NFL defensive end and Jaguars analyst
- The Jaguars will win if: They showcase a physical brand of football. The Jaguars have the talent to beat the Browns in myriad ways, but anytime you're dealing with an underdog such as Cleveland, physicality can become the equalizer. If the Jaguars can run, use it to set up play action and keep the defense on its heels while winning up front against a new Cleveland offensive line, they should secure a victory.
- The Browns will win if: If this were a fight, the Jaguars would want to make it look like a technical boxing match: jab (run), jab (run), feint, then haymaker (play action, deep shot). The Browns must turn it into something you would see in a Waffle House parking lot at 3 a.m. Make it dirty. Hit somebody in the mouth. If Cleveland can be the more physical team, utilize Watson's mobility and take advantage of the Swiss Army knife that is tight end Harold Fannin Jr., the Browns can pull the upset.
- As Lane sees it: Week 1 can be hit or miss as to how a team performs. The Jaguars are the better team, and I think they start the season by showcasing what we have heard all offseason: They want to run. I wouldn't be surprised if it takes a series or two for the Jags to find their footing, but I expect this offense to eventually take control in the trenches. Once the run game gets established, it should open things up for Lawrence and a talented wide receiver room to win through the air. The Jacksonville heat and humidity should also become an advantage as the game progresses. No Waffle House parking lot brawls here. Jaguars 24, Browns 10.
John Shipley, Jaguars correspondent
- The Jaguars will win if: They get after the quarterback. The Browns are set to have a rookie left tackle and a quarterback in Watson prone to turnovers in recent appearances. If Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, Arik Armstead and the rest of the Jaguars' pass rush get home at a consistent rate and force Watson into mistakes and overthrows, the Jaguars could reap the benefits.
- The Browns will win if: The Jaguars have turnover issues on offense. While the Browns have plenty of new on the defensive side of the ball after the departures of defensive end Myles Garrett and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, they have one of the NFL's best cornerbacks in Denzel Ward and a potential game-wrecker in defensive end Jared Verse. If Verse and Ward help the Browns force a few takeaways, the Jaguars could find themselves in some dangerous situations.
- As Shipley sees it: The Jaguars would win back-to-back Week 1 games for the first time since 2017/2018 with a victory Sunday, and they should get it done. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has everything going his way to play at a high level, and I believe the Jaguars will be able to disrupt Watson and the Cleveland offensive line. Jaguars win, 27-13.
Kainani Stevens, Jaguars team reporter
- The Jaguars will win if: They take care of the ball. I think the Jaguars are a much more talented team than the Browns, but turnovers can swing any game. Lawrence needs to pick up where he left off last season and deliver offensively while protecting the ball. The Jags also must establish the run early to open things up for Head Coach Liam Coen's dynamic offense.
- The Browns will win if: Watson has a nostalgic performance against his favorite opponent. If the Browns' quarterback can operate quickly and efficiently, he has a talented receiving corps that could be dangerous. Rookie wide receiver K.C. Concepcion is one to keep an eye on Sunday.
- As Stevens sees it: Week 1 will produce mistakes and sloppy football, but I think the Jaguars will overcome any weirdness and handle whatever Cleveland throws their way.
