In the Spotlight: Cleveland Browns Face Major Questions Entering 2026
The Cleveland Browns enter the 2026 NFL season looking for progress after finishing 5-12 and last in the AFC North in 2025. Cleveland’s offense averaged only 16.4 points per game, ranking 31st in the league, and another offseason of major changes followed.
Todd Monken replaces Kevin Stefanski as head coach and inherits a roster undergoing a significant transition. The most dramatic change came when Cleveland traded reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams, receiving pass rusher Jared Verse and draft capital in return.
What to Watch
Quarterback remains the biggest question. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are competing for the starting job, and Monken has divided preseason opportunities between them. Watson missed all of 2025 following Achilles injuries, while Sanders appeared in eight games last season and threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Cleveland also invested heavily in rebuilding the offensive line. The Browns acquired tackle Tytus Howard from Houston and agreed to deals with Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson while retaining Teven Jenkins. In the NFL Draft, Cleveland added offensive tackle Spencer Fano along with receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion.
Defensively, Verse becomes a centerpiece following Garrett’s departure. The Browns also recently moved to bring back veteran Za’Darius Smith, adding experience to a defensive front undergoing considerable change.
Betting Outlook
Sportsbooks view Cleveland as one of the AFC’s biggest long shots. DraftKings listed the Browns at +2100 to win the AFC North, +8600 to win the AFC and +20000 to win the Super Bowl in an Aug. 1 market. Cleveland’s win total was 5.5, with Over 5.5 at -130 and Under 5.5 at +110.
The schedule could provide some reason for optimism. Cleveland faces Carolina, Las Vegas and Atlanta at home and also draws the Jets, Titans and Saints on the road.
However, six AFC North games and early road contests against Jacksonville and Tampa Bay could make exceeding 5.5 victories challenging.
Key Team Details
2025 record: 5-12, fourth in AFC North.
Key players to watch: Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, Quinshon Judkins, Harold Fannin Jr., Carson Schwesinger, Jared Verse and Denzel Ward.
Expected starting QB: Undecided. Watson and Sanders remain in a preseason competition, with both receiving opportunities to start.
Key signings and additions for 2026-27 season: Jared Verse, Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins, Zion Johnson, Quincy Williams, Tylan Wallace, Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion and Spencer Fano.
Betting odds to win AFC North: +2100
Betting odds to win AFC: +8600
Betting odds to win Super Bowl: +20000
Win totals over/under: 5.5 wins; Over -130, Under +110.
2026-27 Cleveland Browns Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sept. 13 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Away |
| 2 | Sept. 20 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Away |
| 3 | Sept. 27 | Carolina Panthers | Home |
| 4 | Oct. 1 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Home |
| 5 | Oct. 11 | New York Jets | Away |
| 6 | Oct. 18 | Baltimore Ravens | Home |
| 7 | Oct. 25 | Tennessee Titans | Away |
| 8 | Nov. 1 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Away |
| 9 | Nov. 8 | New Orleans Saints | Away |
| 10 | Nov. 15 | Houston Texans | Home |
| 11 | — | BYE | — |
| 12 | Nov. 29 | Las Vegas Raiders | Home |
| 13 | Dec. 6 | Cincinnati Bengals | Home |
| 14 | Dec. 13 | Atlanta Falcons | Home |
| 15 | Dec. 20 | New York Giants | Away |
| 16 | Dec. 27 | Baltimore Ravens | Away |
| 17 | Jan. 3 | Indianapolis Colts | Home |
| 18 | TBD | Cincinnati Bengals | Away |
The Browns’ official schedule has Cleveland opening with consecutive road games and hosting Pittsburgh for its lone currently scheduled prime-time appearance in Week 4.
Cleveland’s ceiling may ultimately depend on finding stability at quarterback. With Monken installing a new system and several significant roster changes, the 2026 season should reveal whether the Browns can begin climbing out of the AFC North basement.
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