The Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns are both looking for their first win of the 2024 NFL season. Their first losses came in markedly different ways.
The Jags had an early 14-point lead over the Miami Dolphins , but a Travis Etienne fumble through the end zone sparked a rally and led to a 20-17 last-second loss . On the other hand, the Browns were never in their opener, losing to the Dallas Cowboys 33-17.
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw for just 162 yards and a touchdown to rookie Brian Thomas Jr. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is already hearing calls for backup QB Jameis Winston after a six-sack, two-interception start and another sexual assault allegation from his time with the Houston Texans.
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Who gets their first win of the season? NFL reporters and analysts weigh in with their picks:
All four writers on the USA TODAY panel backed Jacksonville. Jordan Mendoza picked the Jaguars to win 18-16: "This one will be a defensive slugfest. Jacksonville was able to contain Miami for nearly all game last week, and the Cleveland defense will want to rebound after it got exposed by Dallas. Still, there's little faith in Deshaun Watson being able to lead the team to a victory."
Vinnie Iyer picked Jacksonville to win 20-17 but not cover the spread: "The Browns looked sloppy with former Clemson QB Deshaun Watson vs. Dallas, while the Jaguars flashed before fading with former Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence vs. Miami. This can be another ugly game with two inconsistent passing games and two running games facing strong fronts. The edge goes to Lawrence, who has more reliable help with his weapons overall."
Bill Bender picked Jacksonville 23-18: "Deshaun Watson completed just 53.3 percent of his passes in the opener. Cleveland has an excellent pass rush, and Myles Garrett had one of three sacks in the blowout loss to Dallas. Trevor Lawrence completed 57.1 percent of his passes in a tough loss at Miami. Travon Walker had two sacks for the Jaguars. These teams have similar strengths and weaknesses right now, which makes it a true toss-up. The Browns were 3-6 S/U on the road last season. We will stick with the home team."
John Breech picked Jacksonville to win 23-20: "Right now, the only quarterback in the NFL I trust less than Deshaun Watson is Daniel Jones and if the Browns were playing the Giants this week, I'd pick Cleveland, but they're not."
Pete Prisco picked Jacksonville 24-19: "The Jaguars blew a fourth-quarter lead in losing to the Dolphins, while Cleveland was mauled at home by Dallas. Deshaun Watson was awful. This is a tough ask to bounce back on the road against a Jaguars defense that slowed Miami. Look for Jacksonville to get in the win column."
Mike Florio picked Jacksonville to win 27-20, while Chris Simms had the final 28-16. "When will Jameis Winston get a shot?" Florio wrote.
NFL.com: All picking the Jaguars
Each member of NFL.com's five-person panel picked Jacksonville to win. Brooke Cersosimo picked a final score of 26-21: "Based on what I saw in Week 1, the Jaguars look like the better team here led by competent QB play. If not for a goal-line fumble, they likely beat Miami and aren't facing the dreaded 0-2 start. Cleveland's defense is under a lot of pressure to keep it in this roadie, and it'll look to fearless leader Myles Garrett to disrupt Trevor Lawrence, who was sacked three times on 24 dropbacks last week (highest rate in the NFL)."
Jaguars vs Browns game odds, spread and lines
Jacksonville is favored to defeat Cleveland, according to the BetMGM NFL odds . Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering betting promos in 2024 .
All odds as of Thursday, September 12.
- Spread: Jaguars -3
- Over/under: 41½
- Moneyline: Browns +135, Jaguars -160
How to watch Jacksonville Jaguars vs Cleveland Browns: Time, TV channel, streaming
- When: 1 p.m. Sunday, September 15
- Where: EverBank Stadium (Jacksonville, Florida)
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+ (7-day free trial) | Fubo (7-day free trial)
Streaming options include Fubo , which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.
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This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Jacksonville Jaguars predictions vs Cleveland Browns: NFL experts pick Week 2 game
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