3 Matchups to watch between the Browns and Jaguars in Week 1

The . The Browns come into the season with a new coaching staff, a new quarterback (in a way), and a defense that is without Myles Garrett for the first time since the 2016 season.

This Browns team will have to make adjustments in 2026, and it all starts with a tough matchup against a Jaguars squad with its eyes on another AFC South title and more. Cleveland will have a lot to overcome against a talented Jacksonville team, but there is a lot that needs to happen between the first and final whistle of the game.

With the stage set, we wanted to highlight three matchups we are watching in this game in Week 1.

Jared Verse vs. the Jaguars' offensive tackles

The Jaguars' offensive tackles for the 2026 season are Cole Van Lanen and Anton Harrison. Combined, both men gave up a combined 57 pressures in 16 and 15 games between them. Jared Verse generated 80 pressures in 2025, the sixth-highest amount for a defensive player in the NFL. If the Browns are going to have a chance in this game, they need to create chaos in the backfield for the Jaguars.

V8 gets the sack and the crowd goes wild!

📺: | — Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL)

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has some wheels to his credit, and his athleticism allows him to make plays with his feet. If Verse and the Browns get in the backfield, it will then be on the linebackers to contain him and keep him in the backfield for a loss. If the Browns and Verse cannot achieve that, it will be a long day for Cleveland.

Deshaun Watson vs. Himself

Deshaun Watson has been with the Cleveland Browns since 2022 and has played in just 19 games. Over that time, he has more turnovers (23) than he does touchdowns (22), and for him to maintain his role asd the starter, he has to rectify that starting on Sunday against the Jaguars.

The Browns can control the Jaguars' offense with their defense, but only if their time on the field is limited. The decision-making of Watson will need to be sharp; they will need to execute long drives, and in turn they may surprise folks with the result they can get. On the flip side, if Watson has more turnovers, this can get ugly very quickly for the Browns.

Harold Fannin Jr. vs. the Jaguars' linebackers

The Browns' ultimate x-factor weapon in 2026 is not rookie KC Concepcion, but rather it is Harold Fannin Jr. The second-year tight end comes into the new season with higher expectations after a breakout rookie campaign that saw him rack up the ninth-best receiving season by a rookie tight end. He achieved that with the revolving door at quarterback, so he can overcome that, but can he overcome the middle of the Jaguars' defense?

HAROLD FOR SIX!!!!

Harold Fannin Jr. crosses the Pond to score his first career NFL touchdown!!!!

📺 NFL Network — BGSU Football (@BG_Football)

The Jaguars lost playmaking linebacker Devin Lloyd in free agency, so there is a hole in their coverage to exploit. If the Browns offense wants to be able to get things going through the air, they can pepper Fannin Jr. with targets and let him create with his burst and vision.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: