Browns @ Jaguars - Week 2

That was a tough one last week, seeing the Brownies drop the 2024 season opener to Dallas, but in all fairness, the ‘Boys are no pushovers, they did finish with twelve wins last season and have one of the top pass-catch duos in the NFL. That said, the Browns didn’t look good in any aspect of the game, though the defense kept Dallas under 300 total yards, they couldn’t stop them from scoring in bunches. 

The Browns travel down to Duval County for this Sunday’s game against Jacksonville, a matchup that will likely show us more about both teams by the time 5 o’clock rolls around on Sunday afternoon. 

Browns (0-1) @ Jaguars (0-1) 

Kickoff – 1:00p CBS 

Line – Browns +3 and O/u 41.5 

Series – Jaguars lead 12-7 

Last meeting – Browns 31-27, Cleveland, OH 12/10/23 

The (unfortunately) Never-ending Story 

On Monday, the story broke that another civil lawsuit had been filed in Harris County Texas (Houston), accusing QB DeShaun Watson of sexual assault and battery in October of 2020. This is after Watson settled 23 of 24 civil suits in the summer of 2022. This is. . .disconcerting, and, potentially, the end of Watson’s time in Cleveland. 

Yes, Watson signed a “fully guaranteed” and while most NFL contracts include language that allows them to be voided in the event of certain “incidents,” Watson and his agent took care to include language that would negate those elements of his contract if he were suspended (which he was) for the charges already out there during the 2022 or 2023 seasons. Unfortunately for Watson, we’re now into the 2024 season and as someone already on the radar of the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy police, he may be looking down the barrel of another suspension. 

Watson has, of course, denied these allegations in a statement from his attorney "Deshaun strongly denies the allegations in the Jane Doe lawsuit filed Monday," attorney Rusty Hardin, who is representing Watson, wrote Wednesday in a statement. "We have asked him not to comment further while this matter works its way through the courts but are comfortable, he will ultimately be vindicated.” 

There’s already been considerable speculation that this might be the Browns’ chance to get out from under a contract that has been, at best, described as “ill-advised”, however there are likely weeks and possibly months of waiting and investigations before anything will be decided. 

Injuries Strike Browns 

The Browns will be without several defensive contributors for at least the next four games. On Tuesday, the Browns placed starting safety Juan Thornhill on Injured Reserve as well as linebackers Mohamoud Diabate and Tony Fields II, and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II. This sidelines the players for at least the next four games. 

Tight end David Njoku is also out for this Sunday’s game with ankle injury. 

To fill the open spots the Browns signed WR David Bell, CB Mike Ford Jr., DT Sam Kamara for their practice squad, and LB Khaleke Hudson from New Orleans’ practice squad. 

Bits and Baubles 

Browns – In eight seasons, All Pro DE Myles Garrett has 89.5 sacks, exactly zero of those have come against the Jaguars. 

Jaguars – The Jaguars are winless against DeShaun Watson having been swept by him three years running while he was in Houston.  

Injury report 

Browns 

Jedrick Wills Jr. - OT – OUT (Knee) 

David Njoku – TE – OUT (Ankle) 

Jack Conklin – OT – Questionable (Knee) 

Jaguars 

Darnell Savage – S – OUT (Quadriceps) 

Tyson Campbell – CB – OUT (IR-Hamstring) 

Tyler Lacy – DT – Questionable (unspecified) 

Caleb Johnson – LB – Questionable (unspecified) 

Fantasy Advice 

Given David Njoku’s absence this week, look for his normal share of the targets to go to Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy, I would project 6+ targets for each of them unless someone gets hot. 

Look for a semi-time share between Tavis Etienne and Tank Bigsby until one or the other separates themselves. Bigsby had the better end of rushing last week, but Etienne managed a TD on the ground and caught 2 of 3 targets, he also lost a fumble which is never good for playing time. Brian Thomas Jr. was effective last week and should be a part of the offense going forward, especially in the Red Zone. 

Prediction 

Jaguars 27-17