Browns vs. Jaguars Week 1 predictions: Cleveland big underdogs against the AFC South’s top team

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 15: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TrEver Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Browns take on the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday. The Jacksonville Jaguars were a very impressive team last year, as QB Trevor Lawrence seemed to put all the pieces together. However, in the back of my head, I still have visions of how the Browns' defense seemed to be a bad matchup for Lawrence in 2023 and 2024, where he struggled in both losses. Nonetheless, the perception is clearly Jacksonville > Cleveland to kick off the season.

Here is what the national media is saying about the Week 1 game between the Browns and Jaguars:

CBS Sports (Pete Prisco) - Jaguars 30, Browns 13

The Browns come to Jacksonville with Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback. That will be an issue against an improved Jacksonville defense. The Cleveland defense should be solid this year, but Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars' passing game should have a big day here. Jaguars big as they get off to a good offensive start.

CBS Sports (John Breech) - Jaguars 19, Browns 16

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Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer) - Jaguars 30, Browns 14

The Browns' QB battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders flips to Watson battling his fellow former Clemson star QB Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence is loaded with weapons in Liam Coen's offense, even now minus Etienne. The Browns have shakier support around Watson and now a defense that will fall apart without Garrett.

Sporting News (Bill Bender) - Jaguars 23, Browns 17

This number doesn't jump out that much. The Browns were 4-2 ATS last season as an underdog of more than seven points, with upset victories against Cincinnati and Green Bay. Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson will be the focus against a Jacksonville defense that ranked third in the NFL with a plus-13 turnover margin last season.

Below are our Week 1 NFL staff picks: