The 2024 NFL season kicks off with an exciting and historic Week 1 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon in Cleveland. This game is one for the books, as it marks only the second time since the 1970 NFL/AFL merger that the league’s No. 1 scoring offense will face the No. 1 total defense in Week 1.
Cowboys vs Browns Game Details
- Date: September 8, 2024
- Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
- Venue: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland
- Channel: FOX
- Live Stream: FanFanatics
FOX will nationally broadcast this highly anticipated game, with Kevin Burkhardt providing play-by-play commentary, NFL legend Tom Brady as the analyst, and sideline reports from Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi.
Recent History: Cowboys vs. Browns
Dallas has had the upper hand in recent matchups, winning the last four meetings between the two teams. Over these games, the Cowboys have outscored the Browns 105 to 52, showcasing their offensive firepower. However, each new season brings its own challenges, and the Browns’ top-tier defense will look to reverse this trend on Sunday.
Key Matchups to Watch
This game will be a true clash of strengths. The Cowboys’ high-octane offense against the Browns’ stout defense is sure to be the focal point.
- Dak Prescott vs. Myles Garrett: Prescott will have his work cut out for him facing Garrett, one of the league’s best pass rushers. If Prescott can stay upright and avoid Garrett’s relentless pursuit, he will have opportunities to exploit Cleveland’s secondary.
- CeeDee Lamb vs. Denzel Ward: Lamb, with his precise route running and big-play ability, will test Ward’s coverage skills throughout the game. This one-on-one battle will be critical in determining Dallas’ offensive success.
On the flip side, Cleveland’s offense will be tested by Dallas’ improved defense. The Cowboys addressed their weaknesses in the offseason, particularly shoring up their run defense with the additions of defensive tackles Linval Joseph and Jordan Phillips. With star running back Nick Chubb sidelined due to a knee injury, third-year back Jerome Ford will be thrust into a prominent role. However, he faces an uphill battle against a retooled Cowboys front seven, led by linebacker Micah Parsons.
Browns’ Offensive Challenges
The Browns enter Week 1 with some concerns on offense. Injuries to key offensive linemen, coupled with quarterback Deshaun Watson still recovering from shoulder surgery, could put Cleveland in a tough spot. Watson, who missed significant time last season, may need some time to shake off the rust, and that could spell trouble against Dallas’ aggressive defense.
Micah Parsons, one of the league’s most versatile defenders, will be a major factor. If Parsons can consistently apply pressure, it could disrupt Watson’s rhythm and prevent the Browns from establishing an offensive flow.
Prediction: Cowboys to Win by Double Digits
Given the Browns’ offensive injuries and the Cowboys’ defensive improvements, Dallas appears to have the edge in this matchup. Prescott and Lamb should have more opportunities to connect against Cleveland’s man-to-man coverage, while Watson will likely face heavy pressure from Parsons and the Cowboys’ defensive front.
The Browns’ defense will put up a strong fight, but Dallas’ balanced attack should be too much for Cleveland to handle over four quarters.
Prediction: Cowboys 27, Browns 16
Strength vs. Strength: Offense Meets Defense
In 2023, the Cowboys led the NFL in scoring, averaging an impressive 29.9 points per game. Their high-powered offense, led by quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, consistently lit up the scoreboard. Prescott, the 2023 NFL passing touchdowns leader, and Lamb, who led the league in receptions, form one of the most dangerous offensive duos in the league.
On the other side, the Cleveland Browns dominated defensively, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game, the lowest since the Seattle Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” defense in 2014. The Browns’ defense, anchored by 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward, is no joke. Garrett’s relentless pass rush and Ward’s lockdown coverage make Cleveland’s defense a formidable challenge for any team.
Full 2024 NFL Week 1 Schedule
- Thursday, Sept. 5
- Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
- Friday, Sept. 6
- Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles (in São Paulo, Brazil), 8:15 p.m. ET (Peacock)
- Sunday, Sept. 8
- Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
- New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
- Monday, Sept. 9
- New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC)
This Week 1 battle between the Cowboys and Browns will set the tone for the 2024 NFL season, and fans won’t want to miss the action. Tune in to see which team comes out on top in this historic clash!