The Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns are set to kick off their 2024 NFL seasons with a compelling Week 1 matchup at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Both teams are coming off contrasting seasons, with the Cowboys having a stronger offensive showing last year, while the Browns struggled to find consistency. The Browns, favored by 2.5 points, are eager to defend their home turf and start the season on a positive note, while the Cowboys aim to capitalize on their high-powered offense. Dallas, led by quarterback Dak Prescott, who threw for 4,516 yards and 38 touchdowns last season, will look to leverage their dynamic passing game. With CeeDee Lamb as their primary receiving threat (1,749 receiving yards last year), the Cowboys have the capability to stretch the field against a Browns defense that allowed 21.3 points per game in 2023. The Cowboys will also rely on their defense, particularly linebacker Micah Parsons, who tallied 14 sacks last season, to put pressure on the Browns’ quarterback Deshaun Watson and limit the Browns’ offensive productivity.

The Browns, led by Watson, will need a balanced attack to outmaneuver the Cowboys. With key players like running back Jerome Ford, who rushed for 813 yards, and wide receiver Amari Cooper, who had 1,250 receiving yards, the Browns have the offensive weapons to challenge Dallas’s defense. Defensively, Cleveland will count on standout performers such as Myles Garrett, who also recorded 14 sacks, to disrupt Prescott’s rhythm and contain the Cowboys’ passing game. This game could come down to which team can better execute their game plan under pressure. The Browns’ home-field advantage and defensive strength may give them the edge, but the Cowboys’ potent offense could make this a high-scoring, competitive game.