TAMPA, Fla. -Deshaun Watson leads the Cleveland Browns against former quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Watch this matchup free with multiple streaming services.
How to watch Browns vs. Buccaneers today
What: Cleveland Browns vs. Tampa Bay BuccaneersWhen: Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026Time: 1 p.m. EasternWhere: Raymond James Stadium | Tampa, Fla. Channel: CBSStreaming options: DIRECTV (free trial and $35 off your first month), FuboTV (free trial and $25 off your first month), SlingTV and Paramount PlusHow do I watch Browns vs. Buccaneers for free?
Watch the Browns battle Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers live on CBS at 1 p.m. Eastern. You can take advantage of free trials from DIRECTV and FuboTV, which also offer discounts on your first month.
Fans can watch this game on Sling TV for $19.99 per month with Sling Select, which offers local channels in select markets.
Looking for other options? Stream this NFL game live on Paramount Plus for just $8.99 per month.
Here are five storylines to watch for today’s game:
1. Deshaun Watson’s starting role is in immediate jeopardy after a struggling return
After nearly 700 days away from the field, Watson appeared overwhelmed and indecisive, leading an offense that mustered only 14 first downs while he suffered five sacks. His performance has led to reports that today’s game could serve as his final opportunity to remain the team’s starting quarterback before the home opener on Sept. 27.
2. A new-look defense struggled to find its identity
The absence of two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and former defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz resulted in an unrecognizable defense that allowed Trevor Lawrence to throw four touchdowns. New coordinator Mike Rutenberg’s defense failed to generate pressure, with Garrett’s replacement, Jared Verse, recording zero pressures throughout the game.
3. Rookie Denzel Boston provides a rare highlight for the stagnant offense
Rookie receiver Denzel Boston emerged as a productive deep threat in his debut, hauling in two catches for 59 yards and scoring the team’s only touchdown. His 29.5 yards per catch currently ranks as the third-highest mark in the league, providing a glimmer of hope for a unit that generated only 272 total yards on 49 total plays in the season opener.
4. Mayfield’s second meeting with Browns since being traded four years ago
While this is Mayfield’s second meeting against the Browns, it will mark the first meeting between Mayfield and Watson, the quarterback who replaced him after leading the franchise for four seasons. He was traded to the Carolina Panthers in the summer of 2022, four months after the Browns acquired Watson from the Houston Texans.
The Browns bested Mayfield on Sept, 11, 2022, when Cade York connected on a 58-yard field goal to help Cleveland defeat Carolina, 26-24.
5. Mayfield dealt with turnover issues in season opener
Mayfield is coming off a game where his three fumbles helped lead to 24 points off turnovers for the opposition. Despite these ball-security errors, the former Browns gunslinger remains the focal point of the Buccaneers’ offense after signing a massive $165 million contract extension this month.