Browns open as big betting underdogs for Week 1 despite roster improvements

TL;DR

The Cleveland Browns are opening as 7.5-point underdogs against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1, despite offseason roster improvements. Their Super Bowl odds are among the lowest in the league, reflecting low expectations following a disappointing season.

Key points

Browns open as 7.5-point underdogs in Week 1
Browns have fourth-lowest Super Bowl odds
Jaguars won 13 games last season

Cleveland BrownsJacksonville Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 15: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks to pass during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at TrEver Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Cleveland Browns 2026 NFL schedule release was mostly lackluster, but that was not unexpected. The Browns opponents lacked a lot of luster, the team was coming off another losing season, and there are still questions at the quarterback position. Cleveland did get one primetime game, unlike five other teams, with the rest of the scheduled games kicking off at 1 PM. The Browns must be strong road warriors early in the season, but their offseason moves have both fans and the excited about what the roster can be. Despite the improved roster, expectations for Cleveland are quite low overall. FanDuel has the Browns with the , and the Jacksonville Jaguars are of the 2026 season. Only one other game, the versus the (-9.5), has a larger spread. In some ways, the line makes sense. The Jaguars won 13 games last year under new HC Liam Coen and are the home team, while the Browns are coming off just five victories, have a first-time head coach, have remade their offensive line (which can take time to gel), and still have no certainty at the quarterback position. A lot could change about the betting line if **** and/or **** look good in training camp and preseason action. For now, fans who believe strongly in Cleveland, or who are expecting a step back from Jacksonville, can get a pretty large spread to bet on the visitors in Duval in Week 1. ***What do you make of the early Week 1 betting line? Do you think it will change much over the next few months?*** *Share your Browns/Jags betting thoughts in the comment section below*

Q&A

Why are the Cleveland Browns underdogs in Week 1 against the Jaguars?

The Browns are underdogs due to their recent poor performance, a new head coach, and uncertainty at the quarterback position, despite roster improvements.

What are the Browns' Super Bowl odds for the 2026 season?

The Browns currently have the fourth-lowest Super Bowl odds in the league, indicating low expectations for their upcoming season.

How did the Jaguars perform last season compared to the Browns?

The Jaguars won 13 games last season, while the Browns only secured five victories, contributing to the betting line favoring Jacksonville.