Key Matchups for Jaguars vs. Browns

The Jacksonville Jaguars are taking on the Cleveland Browns at home in their first game of the 2026 NFL season. Jags head coach Liam Coen is gearing up for year two at the helm, while the Browns are looking to work some magic to start. 

Both rosters are stacked, and it should be a good one. Here are some key matchups for their week one showdown. 

Key Matchups for Jaguars vs. Browns, Week One

Travis Hunter vs. Browns Secondary and pass catchers: 

Jaguars wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter is getting ready for his second season in the league, and he'll have a test in week one. Hunter tore his LCL last year in practice, which ended his season, after totaling 15 tackles and four passes defended on defense, along with 28 catches for 298 yards and a touchdown, all in seven games. 

At receiver, Hunter is up against a good Browns secondary that features players like former multi-time Pro Bowler Denzel Ward, and speedy Tyson Campbell. Ward is among the league's best, accumulating 18 interceptions and 104 passes defended. Ward is primarily outside and Campbell could be in the slot. So either player could be one on with Hunter. 

On defense, Hunter will be up against some talented receivers like veteran Jerry Jeudy, who's known for his route running and 2026 first-round pick KC Concepcion, who excels with the run after catch. It'll be an opportunity for Hunter to start the season off well against a good opponent. 

Jared Verse vs. Antonio Harrison:

Browns edge rusher Jared Verse has a new team after being traded to Cleveland for Myles Garrett, after spending two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year and back-to-back Pro Bowl selections. He'll be matched up against Jaguars left tackle Antonio Harrison, who recently made the move to left tackle, so it can be an adjustment. 

Harrison will have a tough task as Verse is a powerful, yet quick off the ball. Verse has 12 sacks across two season and is keen on getting the quarterback. Harrison has to prevent that. 

Liam Coen vs. Todd Monken: 

It's been reported that Coen has credited Browns head coach Todd Monken with mentorship while Coen was coaching at Kentucky as the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. Monken was the offensive coordinator for the Georgia Bulldogs from 2020 through 2022, winning back-to-back National Championships, before going to be the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. In 2024, the Ravens led the NFL in total offense with 424.9 yards per game. 
  

Coen and Monken haven't been on a coaching staff together, but with both coaches knowing each other well and some of their offensive prowess, it could be a good battle between the two.