Image Source: Cleveland Browns
Browns fans have a major Week 2 matchup to watch as Cleveland travels to Tampa to face the Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium, with both teams looking to build momentum early in the regular season.
The Cleveland Browns enter the contest after opening the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Tampa Bay comes off a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The matchup features several familiar names, including Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, who will face an aggressive Browns defense determined to disrupt his rhythm.
Critical Browns Storylines to Watch
Can Cleveland pressure Baker Mayfield?
The Browns’ attacking front will be tested against Mayfield, who experienced consistent pressure in Tampa Bay’s Week 1 matchup with Cincinnati. The Bengals recorded four sacks and six quarterback hits, while also forcing Mayfield to fumble three times. Cincinnati recovered each of those fumbles, creating valuable opportunities throughout the game.
Cleveland will look to replicate that pressure with its own defensive front. Making Mayfield uncomfortable could be the difference in a closely contested road game. The Browns will also need to limit his ability to extend plays and connect with Tampa Bay’s collection of talented pass catchers.
Deshaun Watson and the passing game
Another important storyline centers on how effectively the Browns move the ball through the air. Cleveland recorded 185 net passing yards in Week 1, but quarterback Deshaun Watson showed big-play potential when he connected with rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston for a 46-yard touchdown.
The Buccaneers allowed 245 net passing yards against Cincinnati, the ninth-highest total in the league during Week 1. That could give Watson and Cleveland’s receivers an opportunity to attack downfield, especially if the Browns can establish enough protection and balance on offense.
Strong early-down execution will be essential. If Cleveland can stay ahead of the chains, Watson may have more chances to find Boston and the rest of the passing attack in favorable situations.
Secondary faces dangerous Tampa targets
The Browns’ secondary will have several difficult assignments. Mayfield connected with six different players for 193 net passing yards in Week 1, demonstrating the variety available in Tampa Bay’s offense.
Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka and Bucky Irving are among the Buccaneers’ most notable weapons. Cleveland cornerback Denzel Ward said the defense will focus on minimizing Tampa Bay’s pass catchers while improving the execution of its assignments.
Communication will be especially important for the Browns on Sunday. Tampa Bay’s ability to spread the ball around can create mismatches, and Cleveland cannot afford to surrender easy completions or missed tackles after the catch.
How to Watch the Browns vs. Buccaneers
The game will be broadcast nationally in the local market on CBS at 1 p.m. ET. Tom McCarthy, Robert Turbin and sideline reporter Tiffany Blackmon will call the action.
- Pregame: Browns Countdown begins at 10:30 a.m. on WEWS News 5.
- Game: 1 p.m. ET on CBS.
- Postgame: Browns Tonight airs at 11:35 p.m. on WEWS News 5.
Fans in the Cleveland area can listen to the game on 850 ESPN Cleveland, 98.5 WNCX, 92.3 The Fan WKRK and 1300AM La Mega in Spanish. Andrew Siciliano, Nathan Zegura and sideline reporter Je’Rod Cherry will provide the radio call.
Live local and primetime regular-season games can also be streamed on NFL+ using a phone or tablet. In-market listeners using the Browns mobile app must have location services enabled and be within the Cleveland broadcast area.
Series History Favors Cleveland
The Browns hold a 7-4 all-time regular-season record against the Buccaneers. The teams last met in 2022, when Cleveland defeated Tampa Bay 23-17 in overtime. The Browns are 3-3 in regular-season road games against Tampa Bay.
That history adds another layer to Sunday’s contest, but the immediate focus remains on Week 2 execution. Cleveland must pressure Mayfield, protect Watson and limit Tampa Bay’s versatile group of offensive playmakers to leave Raymond James Stadium with a win.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Browns play the Buccaneers?
The Browns face the Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
Where is the Browns vs. Buccaneers game being played?
The game will take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
What channel is broadcasting the Browns game?
The matchup will air on CBS, with Tom McCarthy, Robert Turbin and Tiffany Blackmon handling the broadcast.
What is the Browns’ record against the Buccaneers?
Cleveland leads the all-time regular-season series 7-4. The Browns won the teams’ last meeting, 23-17 in overtime, in 2022.
