Jaguars host Browns in 2026 NFL opener amid Cleveland roster overhaul
The Jaguars open their 2026 season at home against the Cleveland Browns, a fixture that marks the 21st meeting between the franchises. ESPN analytics project a 76% chance of victory for Jacksonville, while Cleveland faces the challenge of integrating new head coach Todd Monken and a reshuffled roster.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to open their 2026 National Football League season at home against the Cleveland Browns. This fixture marks the 21st all-time meeting between the two franchises, with Jacksonville holding a 12-8 series lead. The Browns last defeated the Jaguars in September 2024, a 18-13 victory, while Jacksonville’s previous win over Cleveland occurred in 2017.
According to ESPN analytics, the Jaguars have a 76% probability of winning this matchup. The prediction comes as Cleveland undergoes a significant structural shift, highlighted by the appointment of Todd Monken as the team’s new head coach. The Browns’ roster has seen considerable turnover, with notable departures including tight end David Njoku, offensive lineman Joel Bitonio, offensive tackle Jack Conklin, guard Wyatt Teller, linebacker Devin Bush, and running back Jerome Ford.
To address these gaps, Cleveland has made several key additions, including offensive tackle Spencer Fano, wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, guard Zion Johnson, centre Elgton Jenkins, offensive tackle Tytus Howard, linebacker Quincy Williams, and safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. These moves follow a draft class that added tight end Harold Fannin, running back Quinshon Judkins, defensive lineman Mason Graham, and linebacker Carson Schwesinger.
The Browns enter the 2026 season looking to improve upon a 2025 campaign where their offense ranked 31st in points per game, while their defence finished 13th. The unit is anchored by defensive end Myles Garrett, who is described as a highly disruptive presence on the pass rush. On the offensive side, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was targeted 105 times last season, recording 602 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Harold Fannin was also heavily involved, with 103 targets resulting in 731 yards and six touchdowns.
Running back Quinshon Judkins contributed 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns last season, while rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger recorded 144 tackles and two interceptions. For Jacksonville, cornerback Tyson Campbell, a former Brown, allowed a 52% completion rate in coverage last season, finishing with one interception and six pass breakups. The Jaguars face a difficult stretch of games to begin the year, starting with this home opener.
