My third annual Browns schedule mock draft is the schedule I want to see.
It is not an attempt to predict the real thing that will be released Thursday night. That’s impossible to predict.
Every time the newest Browns’ schedule is released, the first things I look for are a.) the season opener opponent, b.) whether they are at home or on the road on Thanksgiving and Christmas weekend, and c.) whether there are any prime-time games.
Personally, I dread traveling on the holiday weekends and prefer 1 p.m. games over night games.
We’ve known the Browns’ opponents since January 5 because the NFL has a very logical schedule formula. Based on last year’s records, the Browns have the easiest schedule in 2026. Their opponents had a combined win percentage of .429. That’s low because the AFC North teams this year play every team in the AFC South and NFC South, which are the two weakest divisions based on last year’s records.
But I always say it’s not who you play, it’s when you play them. Injuries to key players, particularly a starting quarterback, can’t be predicted in May.
These are the main things I want to see in the Browns’ schedule:
* Open the season at home with a familiar opponent, but not a division opponent.
* Get the humiliation in Pittsburgh out of the way as soon as possible.
* Break up the two trips to the New Jersey swamp lands.
* Stay home on Thanksgiving weekend.
* No travel on Christmas week.
* Few prime-time games. None, if possible.
* Road games to warm cities in November or December.
* Stay home the final week of the season.
With all of that in mind, here’s my version of a good schedule for the Browns in 2026.
Game 1: Home v. Atlanta Falcons
Kevin Stefanski’s return to Cleveland as a visiting coach makes sense for a season-opener. He told me at NFL league meetings in late March that he will carry a chip on his shoulder this season. “Anytime you lose your job or you fall short of what you were trying to do, you take that with you,” he said. “You take that personally. So, I don’t mean it in a way that you hold a grudge. I think it means that it motivates you. You want to do better.” He added, “You ever been fired? No? Not yet?” Funny.
Game 2: At Pittsburgh Steelers
Twenty-two consecutive regular-season losses in Pittsburgh. Let’s get this over with quickly.
Game 3: At New York Jets
The first of two trips to New Jersey. Joy.
Game 4: Home v. Baltimore Ravens
Todd Monken deserves to coach his first game against his former team on his new home turf. The Ravens will be coming off a game in Rio de Janeiro against the Cowboys in Week 3.
Game 5: Home v. Carolina Panthers
I’m straining to find a noteworthy hook for this game.
Game 6: At Jacksonville Jaguars
See above.
Game 7: At New York Giants
Monken v. John Harbaugh. Ex-Browns Greg Newsome and Shelby Harris were key additions for the Giants.
Game 8: Home v. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow broke his 0-4 record in Cleveland last year because of two missed kicks. His best game in Cleveland still was in his rookie year, the second NFL game of his career.
Bye
Game 9: At New Orleans Saints
French media reported this game would be played in Paris. Personally, I’m not disappointed it proved false. New Orleans is one of the best road trips in the NFL. Gumbo for everyone.
Game 10: Home v. Houston Texans
Chance, perhaps, for Deshaun Watson to go 2-0 against his former team.
Game 11: Home v. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza takes his act off The Strip.
Game 12: At Baltimore Ravens
This trip became a tad less satisfying when Sashi Brown took over as team president and stopped serving crab cakes in the press box at halftime to save money. Still, I always enjoy this visit – except for three hours on Sunday.
Game 13: At Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cade York’s 58-yard field goal with eight seconds to play spoiled Baker Mayfield’s first game against his former team when he played for Carolina. Seems an eternity ago. Mayfield doesn’t forgive or forget. His receipts can fill a garbage bin.
Game 14: Home v. Indianapolis Colts
I wish Indy were on the road schedule. Maybe I can order takeout from Iaria’s on Saturday night. Does DoorDash deliver 300 miles away?
Game 15: At Tennessee Titans
New Nissan Stadium is 75 percent complete, but the new home of the Titans doesn’t open until 2027. It will be interesting, though, to see how the Cam Ward-to-Carnell Tate connection is working.
Game 16: At Cincinnati Bengals
Wouldn’t be surprised if the Bengals have a chance for division title at this point.
Game 17: Home v. Pittsburgh Steelers
Can we see Will Howard or Drew Allar at QB in this game rather than angry, old Aaron Rodgers?