Week 2 staff predictions: Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars' season-opening loss to the Miami Dolphins still stings a week later.

The Jaguars had the game in hand, but about 5 feet from going up 24-7, a fumble into the end zone and 80-yard TD by Tyreek Hill on the next play caused the Jaguars to wilt and crumble in the fourth quarter.

Now, with an 0-1 record both on the season and in the AFC, the Jaguars need to get a win as they host their home opener against the Cleveland Browns at 1 p.m. Sunday.

The Browns were obliterated by the Dallas Cowboys in a game that wasn't as close as the 33-17 final score might infer.

They really miss Nick Chubb, and Deshaun Watson just isn't very good any more.

The Jags head into this game as three-point favorites.

Last week, three of our expert pickers nailed the Dolphins, while four of us left with our heads down after watching defeat snatched from victory.

How will our experts see things this week?

Let's find out...

DEMETRIUS HARVEY

Jaguars beat writer

Jaguars 23, Browns 10

Jaguars rebound at home. They're calling it TrEverBank Stadium this week, losing isn't really an option now.

Season: 0-1

MIKE DiROCCO

ESPN

Jaguars 21, Browns 17

Jaguars go undefeated at TrEverBank Stadium by getting a couple turnovers, Travis Etienne Jr. bouncing back from his fumble with a couple TDs, and another solid performance by rookie Brian Thomas Jr.

Season: 0-1

GENE FRENETTE

Times-Union Sports columnist

Jaguars 23, Browns 13

This is about as convenient a matchup in an otherwise difficult September schedule for the Jaguars. The Browns have significant attrition and not sure if both starting offensive tackles will be available. And with QB Deshaun Watson still in a post-Houston funk, the Jaguars should win this one fairly comfortably.

Season: 0-1

GARRY SMITS

Times-Union Sports reporter

Jaguars 23, Browns 16

Looks like a defensive struggle to me, with both defenses likely to pressure the other's offensive lines. Browns QB Deshaun Watson is 6-0 vs. the Jaguars as a starter, but all of those games were with Houston and he's not the same guy. Not even close.

Season: 1-0

JUSTON LEWIS

Times-Union Sports reporter

Jaguars 27, Browns 13

Bounce back game or trap game? Only time will tell at TrEverBank this weekend.

Season: 1-0

CLAYTON FREEMAN

Times-Union Sports reporter

Jaguars 24, Browns 14

Cleveland did not impress in Week 1 against Dallas, and given the Browns' evident pass-protection issues, it could be a field day for Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. Even with Myles Garrett ready to wreak havoc for Cleveland, this feels like advantage Jags.

Season: 1-0

TIM WALTERS

Times-Union Sports Editor

Jaguars 27, Browns 13

If the Jaguars can't win this one, I may not choose them again this season. The team has just one job this week: don't let Myles Garrett get to Trevor Lawrence. Double team him. Triple team him. Hire a sumo wrestler. Whatever it takes. If they can slow him down, the Jaguars should be able to handle this game. The defense is vastly improved and the offense just needs to play like it did for the first three quarters last Sunday, sans the soul-crushing fumble.

Season: 0-1

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Week 2 staff predictions: Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars