Browns schedule release: Week 1 opponent key to season or just a game?

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 27: (L-R) President and CEO Greg Beadles, President of Football Operations Matt Ryan, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, Owner Arthur M. Blank and his son Josh Blank pose for a photo after Stefanski is introduced as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 27, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C.

Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Cleveland Browns have improved their roster , have some interesting Day 3 players from the NFL draft , and continue to add intriguing UDFAs as well . Many believe that the Browns 2026 season depends on what happens at the quarterback position, with Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson fighting it out for the starting spot while Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green sit in the background, at least for now. When the NFL releases the 2026 schedule for Cleveland, meetings with former Browns HC Kevin Stefanski and QB Baker Mayfield , now both in the NFC South, will be intriguing .

Of course, the AFC North matchups always grab attention as well. If Cleveland travels to Paris, France , this year, it may be the Browns only stand-alone/primetime game of the season. Week 1 and Week 18 tend to get a lot of attention when the schedule comes out.

For a young team, starting out strong can be a very helpful process, but it doesn’t guarantee much. Some believe it is helpful for a developing team to “take their lumps early,” with an easier schedule on the back end. What do you think?