Browns Week 1 preview: Behind enemy lines with Jaguars Wire

The Cleveland Browns play football on Sunday when they face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars . While the Browns were disappointed with their season in 2025, the Jaguars saw themselves make a big leap and now are entering the new season as Super Bowl contenders.

For the Browns, all eyes will be on quarterback Deshaun Watson , while the Jaguars will look to continue their growth into the top-tier team many believe they can be. Meanwhile, Browns fans are hoping for development across the board from one of the NFL's youngest teams.

To get a better and more unique angle on the game, we asked Jaguars Wire's lead writer Paul Bretl some questions about the new-look team playing in Jacksonville.

Q: How much of an impact would Cole Van Lanen missing the game impact the Jaguars' offensive line in a major way?

A: Any time you're without a starter up front, that's not ideal. That said, the Jaguars may be one of more well-equipped teams to handle that absence, with Walker Little taking over at right tackle if needed. Little has started 39 games during his five seasons in Jacksonville.

Q: In 2025, Trevor Lawrence seemingly discovered his legs with Liam Coen; does that approach carry over to 2026?

A: I would think so. Lawrence's effectiveness with the ball in his hands is a credit to his pocket awareness and ability to extend plays when things break down around him. Going off-schedule then sets up opportunities in the passing game to be exploited.

Who is the ultimate x-factor for the Jaguars in 2026?

A: I define an X-factor as more of an under-the-radar player whose play can have a major impact on the outcome of a game. So to answer your question, I'll go with DE BJ Green. Of course, leading the way at DE are Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker , but at a heavily rotated position, depth is a must, and last season, the Jaguars didn't get enough pass rush production from those behind Hines-Allen and Walker. If Green can carry the momentum he built over the summer into the season, he can have a big impact.

A: The offensive line struggles. This is a good Jaguars team, but the play of the OL unit is one of the question marks entering the season. The Jaguars need to generate more steady running lanes for the backs this season, while giving the quarterback time is the name of the game for every team. A lack of a run game and steady pressure from the defense is rarely a recipe for success.

A: I'll take the Jaguars to win at home. I think that the continuity of being in the same offensive and defensive schemes for a second offseason can provide this team with a jumping-off point after a strong 2025 season. Jaguars 24 - Browns 14