Three bold predictions for Browns' preseason contest against the Bears

The wait is finally over for Cleveland Browns fans, as the organization is set to make its 2026 preseason debut against the Chicago Bears on Saturday afternoon. This offseason has been filled with drama between the ongoing quarterback battle and a franchise-altering trade. Still, there are plenty of storylines that fans should keep an eye on heading into Saturday's contest. The first preseason game of the year could have major implications on the Browns' starting lineup for the 2026-27 regular season. Here are three bold predictions for the Browns' preseason matchup against the Bears. Deshaun Watson takes command of QB battle The quarterback battle between veteran Deshaun Watson and 2025 fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders has made headlines this offseason, and Watson will get the first crack against the Bears on Saturday. While it may benefit Sanders to start the second preseason game to see how his competition performs, it also opens the door for Watson to gain more ground on Sanders. Chicago will hold off on playing its key starters in the first preseason contest, which should help the 30-year-old ease into his first game since his season-ending Achilles injury back in 2024. Will Watson look like his prime 2020 version? Probably not. However, if the once highly touted quarterback proves efficient in Monken's offense while limiting his mistakes, there's a good chance that he can establish himself as the starting quarterback for the Browns in Week One. Jared Verse makes a statement After the massive blockbuster deal that sent Browns' 2017 first-round pick Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams earlier this offseason, the organization will now turn to rising star Jared Verse to command the defense in 2026 and beyond. Verse, the 2024 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, was nothing short of impressive during his first two seasons with the Rams. The former Florida State Seminoles standout recorded 124 tackles, 12 sacks, and five forced fumbles since entering the league. to shine under the likes of defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg. While Verse is likely to see a limited amount of playing time in Saturday's preseason contest, the 25-year-old will be firing on all cylinders to prove himself as the perfect replacement for Garrett. Isaiah Bond makes push for WR3 role This offseason, the struggling fanbase has been glued to the Browns' rookie wide receiver duo of KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, who continue to dazzle throughout training camp. Still, there is one wide receiver that has made noise this offseason in second-year weapon Isaiah Bond. The former 2025 UDFA signing showed some promise during his rookie season, but with the additions of Concepcion and Boston, it's clear that Bond must compete against veteran Jerry Jeudy for the third wide receiver role this year. Luckily for the underrated pass catcher, Saturday's preseason contest will be a perfect opportunity for him to build his case against Jeudy. Monken will likely use Bond's incredible speed in the screen game and the deep parts of the field. This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Three bold predictions for Browns' preseason contest against the Bears