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Jaguars vs. Browns: Deshaun Watson makes first start in almost two years

Week 1 features a compelling showdown in Jacksonville as the Browns kick off the Todd Monken coaching era against the Jaguars. Cleveland enters the clash following an eventful offseason in which Deshaun Watson secured the starting quarterback spot despite vocal disapproval and boos from supporters during training camp and exhibition play.

The 30-year-old signal-caller, who secured a fully guaranteed $230 million contract spanning five seasons back in March 2022, is seeking stability following an injury-filled tenure and almost two years away from a start.

Meanwhile, Liam Coen begins his second campaign leading a Jacksonville squad attempting to secure consecutive postseason berths for the first time since the 1998-99 stretch. The reigning AFC South champions, projected by CBS Sports to post a 10-7 mark and reach the playoffs, are powered by returning talent Travis Hunter alongside quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who entered MVP discussions last season while guiding a defensive unit that surrendered the league's lowest scoring average across its final eight contests.