CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: The Cleveland Browns offense huddles during the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104087
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: The Cleveland Browns offense huddles during the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104087
May 17, 2026, 6:31 PM CUT
Cleveland Browns Given No Chance Early Season by NFL Analyst in Bold Take
Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report predicts a grim start for the Cleveland Browns in 2026. Comparing the team to a 'tomato can,' Davenport warns that a cold opening schedule could leave Cleveland winless through four weeks.
“The Cleveland Browns have long been a tomato can in the AFC North, and if the early part of the schedule is any indication, the team should try to work a sponsorship deal with the Hunt’s,” Davenport said while discussing the Browns' schedule through Bleacher Report.
Davenport also pointed to the difficulty of Cleveland’s opening stretch, noting that the Browns begin the season on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars before another away game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He added that things do not get much easier after that, with upcoming home games against playoff teams like the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Defensive end Myles Garrett 95 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates sacking Quarterback Joe Burrow 9 of the Cincinnati Bengals to set the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Äs single-season sack record in a game between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire NFL: JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon168260104022
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Defensive end Myles Garrett 95 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates sacking Quarterback Joe Burrow 9 of the Cincinnati Bengals to set the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Äs single-season sack record in a game between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire NFL: JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon168260104022
Per Ashish Mathur of the Roundtable, the Browns could start the 2026 season at 0-4 under new head coach Monken’s guidance. The Browns face a difficult stretch against the Jaguars, Buccaneers, Panthers, and Steelers.
Mathur added that the team could miss the playoffs if the offense does not improve.
Barry Shuck of Dawgs by Nature addressed the quarterback hurdle and the increasing speculation of who the QB1 would be between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.
If the QB situation is solved, the Browns may win a few games this year, if not in the early season.
However, in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Browns used eight of their ten picks to strengthen the depth of their offensive side. It included WRs KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, QB Taylen Green, OT Spencer Fano and more.
The QB1 Battle Brewing in the Browns’ Camp
The Browns’ quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders has become one of the biggest storylines during this offseason. Sanders is just in his second NFL year, while Watson has been in the league for nearly a decade.
However, Mathur reported that if Deshaun Watson is the starter QB for the next season and struggles, then the Browns’ offense will be back to below average again. Last season, the Browns finished 31st in their total offense rankings as per Fox Sports.
Three-time Pro Bowler Watson has played in only 19 Browns games, as mostly injuries have hampered his run. But analysts still have faith.
Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot is convinced that Watson will be the QB1. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN also reported that Watson would earn the job because of his veteran presence.
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Written by
Naomi Grace
Edited by
Rudra Dubey