Browns Host Panthers in Week 3 Home Opener Sunday on FOX
The short version
- Browns and Panthers are both 1-1; kickoff Sunday at 1 p.m. on FOX from Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland.
- Deshaun Watson makes his first home regular-season start in nearly two years; Carolina visits Cleveland for the first time in about eight years.
- Carolina averages 35.5 points per game behind Bryce Young; the Browns haven't scored 30 since Week 7 of last season.
- Browns are without Teven Jenkins; Panthers out: Claudin Cherelus, Nick Scott, Devin Lloy.
- FanDuel line: Browns +2.5, over/under 41.5.
Cleveland welcomes Carolina to Huntington Bank Field with both teams at 1-1, Bryce Young rolling and Deshaun Watson making his first home start in nearly two years.
The Cleveland Browns play their first home game of the 2026 NFL season on Sunday, welcoming the Carolina Panthers to Huntington Bank Field. Both clubs arrive at 1-1. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m., with FOX carrying the broadcast. Chris Myers and Mark Schlereth will call the game from the booth, with Jen Hale reporting from the sideline. Radio coverage in Cleveland includes 850 ESPN Cleveland, 92.3 The Fan WKRK, 98.5 WNCX, and a Spanish-language feed on 1300 AM La Mega, with Andrew Siciliano, Nathan Zegura and Je'Rod Cherry on the call.
The matchup carries some history. Watson is making his first regular-season start in front of Cleveland's home crowd in almost two years, and the Panthers are visiting for the first time in roughly eight years. Carolina holds a 4-3 edge in the all-time series, though the Browns have captured the last two meetings played in Cleveland. When the teams last met, in Week 1 of the 2022 season, Cleveland prevailed 26-24. The very first meeting, on November 21, 1999, went to Carolina 31-17.
Cleveland enters off a stirring victory against Tampa Bay in which Watson turned in an outing that resembled that of a capable NFL quarterback. Carolina, meanwhile, has surged offensively behind Bryce Young, putting up 35.5 points per game. The Browns, by contrast, have failed to reach 30 points in a game since Week 7 of last season.
Young has been sharp, throwing three touchdown passes in each of Carolina's first two contests. The Panthers rank second in the NFL in pass plays of 20-plus yards and average 312.5 passing yards per game. Cleveland counters with a pass defense that has not surrendered a 300-yard passer in 47 straight games, the longest such active run in the league. On the ground, Cleveland sits 31st in rushing with 131 yards, while Carolina's run defense is last after giving up 448 yards.
Several Browns and Panthers newcomers and standouts are worth watching. Cleveland receiver Denzel Boston, with a touchdown catch in each of his first two games, is just the second player in franchise history to open a career that way, following Andre' Davis (2002) and Bobby Mitchell (1958). Boston paces all NFL rookies with 154 receiving yards, and teammate KC Concepcion leads rookies with 10 catches. Carolina tops the league with six takeaways, and Browns defensive tackle Mason Graham is tied for the NFL lead among defensive tackles with two sacks. Cleveland kicker Andre Szmyt has made 18 straight field goals going back to last season. One trouble spot for the Browns: they are 0-for-10 on third downs in first halves this year.
On the injury front, Cleveland will be without guard Teven Jenkins (back), while cornerback Tyson Campbell (ankle/hip) and safety Grant Delpit (shoulder) are questionable. For Carolina, linebacker Claudin Cherelus (shoulder), safety Nick Scott (ribs) and linebacker Devin Lloy (calf) are out; wide receivers Jalen Coker (ankle) and Xavier Legette (knee) are questionable. FanDuel lists the Browns as 2.5-point underdogs with an over/under of 41.5. The forecast calls for 67 degrees and mostly cloudy skies, no chance of rain, and north winds at 13 mph. Cleveland will wear brown uniforms with orange pants, and before the game the team will enshrine Alex Mack, Brian Brennan and Lou Rymkus as its 2026 Browns Legends class.
Offensive coordinator Travis Switzer, speaking through a team-provided transcript about Watson's preparation for his home start, said the quarterback's focus on the process has been evident. "He really prepares, and I think that's what gives him the confidence," Switzer said, adding, "you do prepare, man, you're ready. And like I said, he has been doing that. And I think we saw it last week especially."
Global Sportscast's schedule has the Panthers visiting the Browns on Sunday, September 27 at 1:00 PM EDT at Huntington Bank Field, airing on FOX.
