The Jacksonville Jaguars will host the Cleveland Browns at EverBank Stadium in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, with team experts emphasizing ball security, an effective running game and defensive improvement.
Frank Frangie, Brent Martineau, John Oehser and Brian Sexton analyzed the matchup in a preview published Sept. 12, 2026. The Jacksonville Jaguars experts listed for the 2026 season also include Mark Duffner, Austen Lane, John Shipley and Kainani Stevens.
Turnovers remain central to the matchup
Frangie said the Jacksonville Jaguars must avoid mistakes while continuing the growth of their passing game with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He also identified staying strong against the run, improving the running game and rushing the passer as important elements of Jacksonville’s path to victory.
“The Jaguars will win if: They play well and don’t beat themselves,” Frangie said. He said the Cleveland Browns would need to play their best game, get help from Jacksonville and likely win the turnover margin by at least two while finding offensive rhythm against the Jaguars.
Martineau offered a similar formula for Jacksonville. “The Jaguars will win if: They are even or better in turnovers and run effectively,” he said.
Martineau said the Cleveland Browns could win if “Watson plays better than anyone expects, and the defense dominates.” He also noted that Cleveland has several new faces on offense, including a remade offensive line.
Martineau predicts 24-10 Jacksonville victory
Martineau expects some rough spots early because the Jaguars have not played a regular-season game in eight months. Still, he does not expect the opener to become an unusual season-opening result.
“The Jags are the better team and that will play out to the tune of a 24-10 victory,” Martineau said. Frangie also said Jacksonville should win, pointing to the team’s home-field advantage and the expectation that it has one of the better teams in the NFL.
The Week 1 matchup is Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. The preview also includes a historical photo gallery covering previous games between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Source: Original report