CLEVELAND — The Browns play their first home game of the season Sunday, hosting the Carolina Panthers at 1 p.m. at Huntington Bank Field in a matchup of 1-1 teams looking for an early edge.
Cleveland arrives with momentum after a 23-19 win at Tampa Bay in Week 2, powered by a strong outing from quarterback Deshaun Watson. Sunday marks Watson’s first home start of the season, and a second straight win would give the Browns a winning streak on a short week — they host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night, Oct. 1.
Both teams are dealing with key absences. Inactive for the Browns are cornerback Tyson Campbell, quarterback Taylen Green, linebacker Justin Jefferson, center Parker Brailsford and guard Teven Jenkins. The Panthers are without wide receiver Xavier Legette, linebacker Devin Lloyd and safety Nick Scott, among others.
Carolina is favored by 2.5 points on the road, and oddsmakers’ money is pouring in on the visitors: an overwhelming share of early spread handle is backing the Panthers.
Sunday’s game is the eighth all-time regular-season meeting between the franchises. The Panthers lead the series 4-3, but Cleveland has won the last two, including a 26-24 victory in Charlotte in 2022. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. on Fox.