You don’t have to be dialed in on Baker Mayfield’s career to understand what this Week 2 matchup against the Cleveland Browns means to him.

Mayfield has had this game circled on the calendar basically since the 2026 schedule was released back in May and it’s about more than beating his old team: He also has the opportunity to beat Deshaun Watson, the quarterback the Browns literally picked over Mayfield.

It’s safe to say that decision has backfired on Cleveland in the worst way possible. The Watson trade/ensuing mega-deal where he signed a fully guaranteed contract is easily the worst personnel move in NFL history as the former first-rounder has been nothing but a major disappointment over the last few years.

It’s gotten to the point where a lot of people who cover the Browns believe that a loss, coupled with both a great game from Mayfield and another bad game from Watson, would officially end Watson’s time as the starter in Cleveland.

Baker Mayfield can get the ultimate revenge on Deshaun Watson and the Browns in Week 2

The Browns giving Deshaun Watson the starting job following a preseason where he was booed off the field in Cleveland automatically provided the feeling the first two games of the season would be his leash. Watson would have the first two games to prove he can be the guy in 2026, and if it didn’t work out, the Browns would turn to Shedeur Sanders in Week 3 in their home opener against the Carolina Panthers.

Watson did not play well against Jacksonville, starting the season with an interception and five sacks that were all charged to him, per Pro Football Focus.

Now, Watson gets another chance against the Buccaneers and if things go poorly, it’s likely the plug gets pulled on his time in Cleveland. The Browns losing to Baker Mayfield in Watson’s final game would be a storybook ending and there’s a legit shot it happens.

If the Browns defense plays as it did against the Jaguars, Mayfield is going to have a chance to embarrass Cleveland. We know Jimmy Haslam is a hands-on owner who makes quick decisions. His franchise getting taken to the woodshed by a player they kicked to the curb for Watson, a failed trade acquisition, shouldn’t sit well.

This quarterback battle may not be a popular one on Sunday, but a whole lot is riding on this game.

Mayfield made it clear he enjoyed his time, overall, in Cleveland when he spoke with reporters on Wednesday. However, we know the fire that burns inside and how the smallest of slights can become the biggest chip on his shoulder.

And by all accounts, Mayfield’s last days in Cleveland were not small slights. To be passed over, especially considering the context surrounding his final season with the Browns, would leave a sour taste in anyone’s mouth and rightfully so.

There’s also the present-day factor that Mayfield is coming off a bad performance against the Cincinnati Bengals where he lost three fumbles. On top of that, those fumbles (as well as Bucky Irving’s but I digress) were the reason the Buccaneers lost.

Meaning, he’s not only going to want to beat the Browns, but he’s also wanting to make up for last week’s play.

It would be pure poetry Baker Mayfield comes out and ends the Deshaun Watson era in Cleveland. There’s a very good chance that can and will happen and the conversation will certainly be a lively one if it goes through.