Panthers vs. Browns Week 3 picks: How much respect did Cleveland earn?

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 08: Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns controls the offense during the first half of an NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 08, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Browns take on the Carolina Panthers this Sunday. Before the season, a lot of Browns fans circled this game as being the first one that Cleveland could win, which surprised me a bit considering the Panthers finished well last year and made the playoffs. This season, they have the same record as the Browns at 1-1. Although the consensus seems to still be leaning Carolina, the Browns have garnered some respect.

Here is what the national media is saying about the Week 3 game between the Browns and Panthers:

NFL.com (Various)

Why Bobby picked the Panthers: Cleveland's upset victory over the Buccaneers felt more like Tampa Bay continuing to be the team that fell on its face throughout the end of last season than a sign the Browns will stick it to another NFC South opponent. Lest that be misconstrued as a Browns is the Browns" take, Cleveland played well and fought hard for its win. Deshaun Watson was as precise as he's been in years, rookie Denzel Boston looks like a stud and the Browns defense was the far more composed side during the game's final two minutes in the aftermath of a 132-minute weather delay. The Panthers just happen to be playing better ball than both the Bucs and the Browns.

Bryce Young is off to the best start of his career, buoyed by the budding wide receiver duo of Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker. He's averaged 324 passing yards through two games with three touchdown passes in each contest. It's not out of the question he keeps it going against a Cleveland defense still navigating the early days of the post-Myles Garrett era. The wild card remains the Panthers' defensive Jekyll and Hyde act to start the season. Are they the closer to the group that gave up 59 points to an explosive Bears team in the opener or the unit that dominated a woeful Falcons squad while allowing only 3 points? Even if it's more the former, Dave Canales' offense should be able to do enough for a victory.

CBS Sports (Pete Prisco) - Browns 23, Panthers 20

The Panthers are out on the road for the second straight week after blowing out the Falcons, while the Browns are playing their first home game. Bryce Young is rolling for the Panthers, but I think the Browns defense will play well again here as they did in Tampa last week. The Browns take it in an upset.

CBS Sports (John Breech) - Panthers 20, Browns 17Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer) - Panthers 24, Browns 20

The Panthers must be thrilled with the sizzling early quarterback play of Bryce Young. Young is locked into his receivers as Dave Canales has found the sweet spot of balance and explosiveness. They also are getting dividends from a more active defense. Deshaun Watson sparked the Browns to victory at Tampa but returning for the home opener can actually more hostile.

Sporting News (Bill Bender) - Panthers 24, Browns 16

The Browns weathered a storm for a Week 2 victory at Tampa Bay, and Deshaun Watson answered the critics with 280 passing yards and two TDs. Carolina is 2-1 S/U as an away favorite under coach Dave Canales, and Bryce Young is 5-20 on the road as a starter. As of now, weather won't be a factor in Cleveland.

Below are our Week 3 NFL staff picks: