The Jacksonville Jaguars will host the Cleveland Browns at EverBank Stadium in Week 1 of the 2026 season, with Frank Frangie and Brent Martineau both backing Jacksonville to win. Martineau projected a 24-10 Jaguars victory, while Frangie said Jacksonville has the better team and should win at home.
The analysis was authored by Frank Frangie, Brent Martineau, John Oehser and Brian Sexton. The Jacksonville Jaguars experts listed in the source also include Mark Duffner, Austen Lane, John Shipley and Kainani Stevens.
Frank Frangie emphasizes execution
Frangie said the Jacksonville Jaguars must play well and avoid mistakes. He identified continued development in the passing game, with Trevor Lawrence connecting with the Jaguars receivers, as an important factor. Frangie also stressed the need to remain strong against the run, improve the rushing attack and generate a better pass rush.
Frangie said the Cleveland Browns would need to play their best game and benefit from Jacksonville mistakes. He also pointed to the Browns needing to win the turnover margin by at least two and find offensive rhythm against a Jacksonville defense that has been very good against the run and is expected to improve against the pass.
Frangie said the Jacksonville Jaguars should win because they are playing at home, are coming off a 13-victory season and have one of the better teams in the NFL.
Brent Martineau projects a 24-10 Jaguars win
Martineau said the Jacksonville Jaguars need to be even or better in turnovers and run effectively. He expected some clunky play early from Jacksonville but said the team could control the scoreboard if it avoided giving Cleveland the ball and scoring opportunities.
Martineau said the Cleveland Browns would need Watson to play better than expected and the defense to dominate. He also said Cleveland must find offensive success despite having new faces, including a remade offensive line.
Martineau said the Jacksonville Jaguars are the better team and predicted a 24-10 victory. The source does not provide a game date or kickoff time for the Week 1 matchup.
The source also includes historical Jacksonville Jaguars-Cleveland Browns game photos, including the 2024 meeting that Cleveland won 18-13.
Source: Original report