With OTA’s starting this week and much anticipation and excitement for the Cleveland Browns upcoming 2024 season. I wanted to preview their matchup for week 1 of the 2024 season. The Cleveland Browns will open the 2024 regular season at home against the Dallas Cowboys. It will be a nationally televised game on the FOX network. Also, this game will be the broadcast debut of Tom Brady. Both teams 2023 season did end with playoff disappointment. The Browns lost their wildcard game at the Houston Texans and the Cowboys wildcard round loss was to the Green Bay Packers in Dallas. This is considered an interesting matchup for opening day.

In 2023 the Cleveland Browns had the NFL’s top ranked defense and a home record of 8-1. The Browns 2023 record was 11-6. The Dallas Cowboys finished the 2023 season with a 12-5 record. They were 8-0 at home and 4-5 on the road. Based on 2023 performance each team plays better at their respective home fields. Could the 2023 trend continue and or carry over for the 2024 opener?

Both teams have playmakers on defense. However, the Cleveland Browns defense at home performed at a generational elite level in 2023. And Dallas’s defense did not travel well during the 2023 season. Hence their 4-5 road record. Despite the laundry list of injuries, the Cleveland Browns did manage to make the playoffs in 2023. Which is why many Browns fans carry optimism for 2024.

Deshaun Watson is expected to be healthy and start this game. Along with LT Jed Wills, RT Jack Conklin, and OT Dewand Jones. Many missing players from 2023 due to injury will be ready for this game. But star running back Nick Chubb is not expected to ready to until later in the season. Despite missing Chubb, the Browns should do well in this game.

I won’t make a win loss prediction or score prediction for this game. But I will predict that the excitement and energy will be high for this game. I also feel that by going with last season’s results. This should be fun game for Cleveland Browns fans and a great way to start the season.