Browns open as big betting underdogs for Week 1 despite roster improvements
The Cleveland Browns roster is much improved but the Week 1 betting odds versus the Jaguars is quite large
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 15: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks to pass during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at TrEver Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Cleveland Browns 2026 NFL schedule release was mostly lackluster, but that was not unexpected. The Browns opponents lacked a lot of luster, the team was coming off another losing season, and there are still questions at the quarterback position .
Cleveland did get one primetime game, unlike five other teams, with the rest of the scheduled games kicking off at 1 PM. The Browns must be strong road warriors early in the season , but their offseason moves have both fans and the national media excited about what the roster can be. Despite the improved roster, expectations for Cleveland are quite low overall.
FanDuel has the Browns with the fourth-lowest Super Bowl odds , and the Jacksonville Jaguars are favored by 7. 5 points in Week 1 of the 2026 season. Only one other game, the Los Angeles Chargers versus the Arizona Cardinals (-9.
5), has a larger spread. In some ways, the line makes sense. The Jaguars won 13 games last year under new HC Liam Coen and are the home team, while the Browns are coming off just five victories, have a first-time head coach, have remade their offensive line (which can take time to gel), and still have no certainty at the quarterback position.