The Cleveland Browns have been buried under low expectations for months, and most national conversations about the 2026 season are completely writing them off. Four win projections and heavy underdog odds against Jacksonville have been the talk heading into Sunday. But NFL insider Jeremy Fowler is not ready to dismiss this team.
Fowler believes the Browns could actually surprise a lot of people this season, and possibly even make the playoffs.
“But here’s a snoozefest of a sleeper, if we’re going that deep: the Browns. I’m not declaring that Cleveland will make the playoffs just yet, but there’s legitimate talent on both sides of the ball. The defense has a chance to be stout. Resources were spent to replenish the line. The offense is well-stocked with intriguing young talent. If Deshaun Watson’s play graduates from poor to passable, Cleveland might be in decent shape in Todd Monken’s first season,” Fowler wrote.
He is not selling a Cinderella story or ignoring the real questions on this roster. He is confident in the Browns’ young core, starting with a defense that returns talent even after losing Myles Garrett in the trade that brought Jared Verse to Cleveland. Verse has already made clear he expects this unit to play fast and physical.
The offensive line is expected to be much improved. Spencer Fano arrived as the ninth overall pick to anchor the tackle spot, giving the offense a foundational piece it lacked in recent years. Add in young skill players like Harold Fannin Jr. and KC Concepcion, and the offense could perform much better than expected.
The entire outlook still hinges on Watson. Nobody around the league is projecting a return to his Pro Bowl form in Houston, but the difference in quarterback play will likely determine the outcome of the whole season.
Cleveland is not walking into 2026 with playoff expectations. But the Browns have the talent to surprise a lot of people this season.
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