Browns 2026 schedule to be released Thursday: Will they return to prime time? Play overseas? What we know so
CLEVELAND, OHIO — The Browns’ 2026 season will finally reveal its full schedule, with fans learning whether their team will face homegrown players or head abroad. Despite a February report indicating the Browns could host an NFL game in Paris (Oct. 25), the Saints will announce their opponent Wednesday. If the Browns become the hosts, they’ll join the second straight trip across the pond after losing to the Vikings in London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Oct. 5. This marks the first time a Browns rookie quarterback has played in an international game, with Dillon Gabriel being the first to make his debut in such a setting. However, his defense struggled, allowing Carson Wentz to dominate downfield in a thrilling final drive. This sets up a unique opportunity for the Browns to showcase their talent globally.
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Wentz had suffered a season-ending injury but came out of the locker room to rally his team. While the Browns still have a chance to face the Jaguars in London this season, their current record (.429) shows they’re likely to win more games than last year. Their starting lineup includes Todd Monken, who will face six new head coaches and three new quarterbacks next season. This shift in leadership may influence their approach to the international games.
The Browns still have a chance to face the home-team Jaguars in London. Of the 14 losing teams in 2026, five—Ravens, Colts, Falcons, Panthers, and Bucs—went 8-9 last season and could potentially get their playoff matchups back. The Browns’ home games are as follows: Ravens (8-9), Bengals (6-11), Steelers (10-7), Texans (12-5), Colts (8-9), Falcons (8-9), Panthers (8-9), and Raiders (3-14). Their road games include the Jaguars, Saints, Bucs, Titans, Giants, and Jets. None of the Browns’ dates have been confirmed yet, but two of their opponents are set: the Giants host the Cowboys in Week 1, and the Ravens will visit the Cowboys in Brazil on Sept. 27. They hope to secure night games rather than prime-time slots coming off their previous poor performance.
While none of the Browns’ dates have been confirmed, they know two of their opponents for specific weeks: the Giants will play against the Cowboys, and the Ravens will play against the Cowboys in Brazil. The Browns were shut out of prime-time games last season but believe they can land a night game or two this year. Do they present enough value to warrant premium games? The Browns first-time head coach Todd Monken will face six new head coaches and three new quarterbacks next season. They’ll also feature grudge matches involving Stefanski returning to the lakefront and Monken facing the Ravens again.
If Deshaun Watson starts this season, he might face the Texans, who traded up to No. 12 with the Browns in 2017 to draft him. The Browns traded five draft picks, including three first-rounders, to the Texans in 2022 for Watson, who led the NFL with 4,823 yards in 2020 and set the franchise record with 33 touchdown passes. Meanwhile, the Browns will travel to Tampa to visit Baker Mayfield, their No. 1 overall pick in 2018. This marks their second game against Mayfield, with the first being a 26-24 victory over the Panthers in 2022 after the Browns traded him there. Mayfield revived his career in Tampa, leading the team to the playoffs in 2023 and 2024, while making the Pro Bowl in both seasons. In 2024, he threw 41 TDs and only 16 interceptions, ranking No. 4 in the NFL with a 106.8 rating.
The Browns will also have a new starting quarterback this season in either Watson or Shedeur Sanders, competing for the starting job. They’ll also have plenty of rookies contributing to the team, including Spencer Fano, Parker Brailsford, KC Concepcion, and Denzel Boston. Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is also expected to play. The Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said he expects the team to win more than five games this season. On Thursday night, they’ll learn if the schedule works in their favor.
