The coffee is brewing, and you’re probably looking for the TV remote or checking your betting app, wondering who do Browns play today. Well, I have some news that might be a bit of a letdown if you were hoping for a gameday atmosphere in Cleveland.
The Cleveland Browns are not playing today, Thursday, January 15, 2026.
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Honestly, the season ended for the Dawg Pound a few weeks ago. While the NFL playoffs are currently heating up—with the Divisional Round kicking off this coming weekend—the Browns are watching from home. It was a rough 2025 campaign that saw the team finish with a 5-12 record, landing them at the bottom of the AFC North. If you're looking for live football right now, you won't find the orange and brown on the field.
The Reality of the Browns Schedule and 2026 Outlook
Since the regular season wrapped up with a 20-18 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, the building at 76 Lou Groza Blvd has been in full-on transition mode. Kevin Stefanski was let go on January 5 after six seasons, a move that signaled the end of an era that brought some stability but ultimately couldn't get over the hump this year.
Right now, the front office is knee-deep in a coaching search. While you can't watch them play today, the "game" is happening in the interview rooms. Fans are mostly tracking who the next leader will be to maximize the talent of guys like Myles Garrett, who somehow still managed to snag First Team All-Pro honors despite the team's struggles.
Who the Browns Play Next (2026 Opponents)
Even though there isn't a game today, we actually already know the list of teams the Browns will face in the 2026 season. The NFL's scheduling formula is basically a math equation, and since the Browns finished 4th in their division, their 2026 slate is locked in.
Cleveland will be hosting some heavy hitters at Huntington Bank Field next year. You’ve got the usual suspects from the North—the Ravens, Bengals, and Steelers. But the non-division home games look interesting. The Houston Texans are coming to town, which is always a spicy matchup given the history there. You’ve also got the Colts, Falcons, Panthers, and the Raiders on the home docket.
On the road, it’s a lot of travel. They’re headed to:
- Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh (obviously)
- Jacksonville (a big one since Cleveland owns their first-round pick from the Travis Hunter trade)
- New Orleans
- Tampa Bay
- Tennessee
- The New York Giants and New York Jets
That Jacksonville trip is the one everyone has circled. It’s basically a "draft bowl" given the picks involved.
Draft Positioning is the Real Game Now
If you are a die-hard asking who do Browns play today because you need a rooting interest, your "game" is actually the NFL Draft order. Because the Jaguars lost in the Wild Card round to Buffalo, the Browns officially know where they stand.
Cleveland is currently sitting on a gold mine. They hold the No. 6 overall pick and the No. 24 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. That 24th pick came from Jacksonville, and it's a massive piece of the puzzle for whoever takes over the head coaching job.
Most experts, like Daryl Ruiter and other local beat reporters, have pointed out that this is the highest the Browns have picked in a minute. Whether they go for another quarterback—names like Shedeur Sanders were floating around the depth chart late this season—or beef up the line, that’s where the real action is.
What to Watch Instead of the Browns Today
Since you can't see the Browns on the turf today, January 15, you might be wondering what the rest of the league is doing. We are currently in the lull between the Wild Card and the Divisional rounds. The NFL Divisional Playoffs start on Saturday, January 17.
If you want to scout potential future Browns coaches or just enjoy the stress-free life of a neutral observer, here is what is coming up:
- Saturday, Jan 17: Two massive matchups usually involving the top seeds like the New England Patriots or Denver Broncos (who finished 14-3).
- Sunday, Jan 18: The other two Divisional games to round out the Final Four.
It’s definitely a weird feeling when the season ends early. You get used to that Sunday routine, the nerves, the yelling at the screen. But 5-12 doesn't buy you a ticket to the January dance.
Actionable Steps for Browns Fans Today
Just because there isn't a game doesn't mean you can't be productive as a fan. If you're looking to stay ahead of the curve, here is what you should actually be doing:
- Track the Coaching Search: Keep an eye on local Cleveland sports news. The Browns are actively interviewing, and the new hire will likely be announced before the month is out.
- Scout the No. 6 Pick: Start looking at collegiate tape for the top-tier prospects. With a pick that high, Cleveland is in range for a franchise-altering talent.
- Check the Cap Space: Now is the time when the "salary cap nerds" shine. The Browns have some big contracts to navigate, and seeing who they might cut or restructure will give you a hint about their 2026 intentions.
- Follow the Draft Picks: Since Cleveland owns Jacksonville's pick, their off-season moves indirectly affect the value of the Browns' assets.
The wait for the 2026 season opener in September feels long, but in the NFL, the "off-season" is just a different kind of game. While you won't see any kickoffs today, the moves being made in the next 48 hours will decide if we're asking this same question next January or if we'll actually be prepping for a playoff game.
Stay tuned to the local wire. The next era of Browns football is being built right now, even if the pads are currently in storage.