The NFL schedule release is always one of the most anticipated days of the offseason, and this year, the Cleveland Browns might have a few surprises in store. Set to be unveiled this Thursday, the 2026 slate brings a fresh start for a team coming off a season with one of the league's toughest schedules. This time around, the Browns are projected to enjoy one of the easier paths, which has fans buzzing about what's to come.
Cleveland will face just four playoff teams from last season: Pittsburgh, Houston, Carolina, and Jacksonville. Outside of their divisional matchups, the Browns will square off against a mix of below-average and average squads, setting the stage for a potentially promising campaign.
Prediction 1: More Late Window Games
For as long as most can remember, the Browns have been a staple of the 1:00 PM Sunday slot. Last season, they broke that mold just twice—once at home against the Ravens and once on the road against the Raiders, both in the 4:00 PM window. This season, expect that number to rise. With opponents like New Orleans and Tennessee—both outside the Eastern time zone—the league may look to slot these games into the late afternoon. CBS is likely to handle the broadcast duties for those matchups, giving Browns fans a prime opportunity to showcase their gear on a bigger stage.
Prediction 2: A Return to Primetime
Last season, the Browns were one of only three teams without a single primetime game. That drought should end in 2026. Look for Cleveland to land at least a couple of national spotlight games, with Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime being the most likely candidate. But don't count out ESPN or NBC, either—the storylines are just too good to ignore.
Here are the most intriguing possibilities:
- Thursday Night Football: Home vs. the Steelers (AFC North rivalry), home vs. the Raiders (Fernando Mendoza's national TV debut), home vs. the Falcons (the return of former head coach Kevin Stefanski), away vs. the Texans (a showcase of top-tier defenses), or away vs. the Titans (Shedeur Sanders vs. Cam Ward).
- Sunday or Monday Night Football: Away vs. the Buccaneers (Baker Mayfield vs. Shedeur Sanders) or home vs. the Ravens (a classic divisional clash).
Whether you're gearing up for a late-afternoon kickoff or a primetime showdown, one thing is clear: the Browns are poised for a season full of excitement. What matchups are you most looking forward to?