Browns 2026 opponents revealed: Why a 'last-place schedule' could be a game-changer

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Browns 2026 opponents revealed: Why a 'last-place schedule' could be a game-changer originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2025 season may have ended in the AFC North basement, but there's a silver lining for the Cleveland Browns.

The NFL's 2026 opponents list is officially set, and the Browns are set to benefit from a 'last-place schedule". This could be Cleveland's shortcut back to the playoffs.

Last-to-first scenarios happen all the time around the league. Look at the Bears and Patriots this season. A new coach, paired with a rising quarterback and improved offensive line, plus an easier schedule, catapulted those clubs up the standings.

Here's a look at the Browns home and away opponents:

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As always, the Browns will play their divisional opponents the Bengals, Steelers, and Ravens twice.

Cleveland is going to see the entire AFC and NFC South, as well as same-place finishing teams in the Raiders and Jets. Their 17th game will be on the road against the Giants.

HOME	AWAY
Houston Texans	Jacksonville Jaguars
Indianapolis Colts	Tennessee Titans
Las Vegas Raiders	New York Jets
Atlanta Falcons	New Orleans Saints
Carolina Panthers	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
	New York Giants

Based on 2025 records, the Browns actually have the easiest strength of schedule in the entire NFL.

Games of Interest:

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Browns will face old franchise quarterback Baker Mayfield on the road in Tampa Bay. Cleveland only faced Mayfield one other time, and defeated him on opening day in 2022 when he was with the Carolina Panthers.

2. Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets

If the draft order stays as is then the Raiders and Jets will likely be starting rookie QBs who were selected first and second overall. That's assuming both Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) and Dante Moore (Oregon) declare for the draft, and are chosen.

It will give Browns fans a look at what might have been if they landed in one of those top two spots.

3. Division Rivals

As usual the AFC North is packed with intensity and intrigue. Who will the Browns and Ravens new head coaches be? Are the Steelers going to move on from Aaron Rodgers? Can the Bengals stay healthy on offense and improve their defense?

More Browns News:

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