The Cleveland Browns open the 2026 season in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. The Browns have invested heavily in their roster on both sides of the ball and enter the year looking to establish themselves as legitimate AFC North competitors. Nick Chubb, when healthy, gives Cleveland one of the most physical and reliable running games in the conference.
| Player | Team | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Myles Garrett | Browns | One of Browns's top players heading into Browns's Week 1 matchup |
| Shedeur Sanders | Browns | One of Browns's top players heading into Browns's Week 1 matchup |
| Joe Thomas | Browns | One of Browns's top players heading into Browns's Week 1 matchup |
| Trevor Lawrence | Jaguars | Key player for Jaguars that the Browns defense will need to contain |
| Travis Hunter | Jaguars | Key player for Jaguars that the Browns defense will need to contain |
Cleveland's defense has been a strength in recent seasons and will need to show up on the road against a Jaguars offense that can move the ball through the air. If the Browns can win the trenches -- which is always the intent -- and grind this into a physical contest, they give themselves a strong chance at a road win. A Week 1 victory in a tough venue would be an early statement of Cleveland's ambitions for the season.
| Storyline | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Browns offense, Week 1 debut | First look at how the unit performs under 2026 roster and coaching changes |
| Jaguars defense | The first test for Browns skill players coming out of the preseason |
| Turnover margin | Week 1 games are often decided by turnovers before teams find their rhythm |
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