The Jacksonville Jaguars will start their AFC South title defense as a strong favorite when they host the Cleveland Browns in Week 1.
My early Browns vs. Jaguars predictions are backing Jacksonville to win in a battle of solid defenses, as Cleveland isn't bringing any offense to the fight.
Keep reading to get my full analysis and free NFL picks for Sunday, Sept. 13.
Browns vs Jaguars predictions
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Early Browns vs Jaguars spread pick: Jaguars -7.5
The Cleveland Browns have a new head coach in Todd Monken, are starting Deshaun Watson at quarterback, and traded away their best defensive player in Myles Garrett.
Cleveland was arguably the NFL's worst offensive team last season (it ranked 31st in the league with 16.4 ppg) and won't have enough defense to stay in many games this year. That starts against a Jacksonville Jaguars team that's looking to win the AFC South again.
The Browns will struggle to get to opposing quarterbacks without Garrett around. That plays into the hands of Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who struggled under pressure but had a 101.2 passer rating on clean plays last season.
I'm taking the Jaguars to cover at up to 8.5 points.
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Early Browns vs Jaguars total pick: Under 40.5
Cleveland enters the year with massive questions on offense, with PFF rating the Browns dead-last in its offensive power rankings. Watson has only played 19 games since his great 2020 season, and hasn't looked anything like the same player since.
He's also facing a Jacksonville team that ranked third in defensive EPA at -0.15 points per play last year, and the Jaguars didn't trade away the Defensive Player of the Year in the offseason.
Even without Garrett, defense will still be a relative strong suit for the Browns. Getting Jared Verse via that trade means they'll still have a credible pass rush, and Cleveland returns linebacker Carson Schwesinger, the 2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year.
With two solid defenses and Cleveland's atrocious offense, this promises to be one of the lowest-scoring games of Week 1. I like the Under at totals down to 38.5 points.
Browns vs Jaguars odds
For help understanding Kalshi probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Browns vs Jaguars spread: Jaguars -7.5
- Browns vs Jaguars moneyline: Browns 23%, Jaguars 77%
- Browns vs Jaguars Over/Under: 40.5
How to watch Browns vs Jaguars
- Browns vs Jaguars matchup
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
- City: Jacksonville, Fla.
- Venue: EverBank Stadium
- TV: CBS
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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