CLEVELAND, Ohio — After a chaotic week off the field, the Cleveland Browns wrap up their preseason with a home matchup against a watered-down version of the reigning AFC champion New England Patriots today – Thursday, Aug. 27 – at Huntington Bank Field.
How to watch Browns vs. Patriots
- What: NFL preseason: Cleveland Browns vs. New England Patriots
- When: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026
- Time: 8 p.m. Eastern
- Where: Huntington Bank Field | Cleveland, Ohio
- Streaming options: DIRECTV (free trial and $35 off your first month), FuboTV (free trial and $25 off your first month), SlingTV (select local markets) and Prime Video (free trial)
How do I watch Browns vs. Patriots for free?
Locally, this NFL preseason matchup will broadcast live on WEWS News 5 (Cleveland) and WBZ CBS4 (Boston). You can take advantage of 5-day free trials from DIRECTV and FuboTV, which also offer favorable discounts on your first month.
You can watch this matchup nationally on Prime Video, which offers a 30-day free trial. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, this video service is included at no extra cost with your membership. Joining Amazon Prime costs $14.99/month or $139 annually.
Sling TV has Sling Select at $19.99 per month, which offers nearly two dozen channels, including local channels in select markets.
What to expect for today’s game
The Browns (0-2) were crushed by the Buffalo Bills, 31-7, on Aug. 22. Shedeur Sanders connected with Mentor native Luke Floriea late in the first quarter to help tie the game at 7-7. That would be the extent of Cleveland’s scoring.
Under first-year defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, Cleveland’s defense proceeded to allow 24 straight points for the second consecutive game. The offense has been outscored 65-17 this preseason.
After the lopsided loss, quarterback Deshaun Watson ruffled the already irritated fanbase by addressing their reaction to his season-ending injury in 2024 and their latest round of boos.
Despite the candid presser, Watson was named starting quarterback after a summer-long camp battle with infectious second-year QB Shedeur Sanders. Neither will play today.
Instead, second-year selection Dillon Gabriel will get his first start of the 2026 preseason. Gabriel is 5 for 10 with 23 yards, one interception and two sacks in two games.
Rookie quarterback Taylen Green will close out the contest, making his NFL debut. Green was the No. 182 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
After Browns head coach Todd Monken and Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel went the unorthodox route of exchanging a phone call this week, both teams intend to rest a significant portion of their starters and even some backups for today’s matchup.
Watch Browns vs. Patriots on DIRECTV for free
The Patriots (1-0-1) defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 24-21, on Aug. 22. New England treated their home fans to a thrilling comeback victory with a 37-yard game-winning touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Behren Morton to Andy Borregales with just 57 seconds left in the game.
With a significant portion of the top roster resting, backup quarterback Tommy DeVito will likely draw the start. Morton’s encore to his heroics will be one storyline to keep an eye on after he comes in to relieve the former New York Giants flash in the pan.
The duo combined to go 21 of 32 for 248 yards in the victory over the Eagles.
The Patriots’ offensive line allowed four sacks in Week 2. The ground game was a focal point, rushing 32 and 33 times in the previous two games.
This will be a last audition for many who are on the roster bubble. NFL teams must cut down to 53 players by Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. Eastern.
