How I Think the Browns Will Perform in the 2019-2020 Season
(Division games are in bold.)
(*indicates a Primetime game)
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Week 1: vs Titans
Prediction: Win
Why: The Titans have historically struggled to beat the Browns at their worst (a 28-26 victory over the 1-15 Browns in 2016 and a 12-9 OT victory over the 0-16 2017 Browns), so expect them to lose at a modest two-score margin. Plus, this is a home game, so expect the Browns to come out swinging.
*Week 2: at Jets
Prediction: Win
Why: Both teams have gotten better, it's just that the Browns will have improved more. Expect a close finish
*Week 3: vs LA Rams
Prediction: Win
Why: Expect a shootout, with the Browns getting a last-second clutch stop against the Rams.
Week 4: at Ravens
Prediction: Win
Why: Baker Mayfield will avenge last year's Week 17 loss by taking advantage of a weakened Ravens defense, along with the Browns defense using QB-spy and blitz packages to expose Lamar Jackson for the mediocre QB he is. Don't be surprised if the game starts off close, only for the Browns to reel off 21+ unanswered points to put the game out of reach.
*Week 5: at 49ers
Prediction: Loss
Why: East coast teams don't play very well traveling to the West Coast; plus, the 49ers will down the Browns offense due to a much improved defense.
Week 6: vs Seahawks
Prediction: Loss
Why: Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson will find a way to somehow pull off a victory vs the Browns.
Week 7: Bye
Week 8: at Patriots
Prediction: Loss
Why: The Browns have struggled to beat New England on the road, so expect it to continue even without Rob Gronkowski.
Week 9: at Broncos
Prediction: Win
Why: Last year's game was a tight affair, but an improved Browns offense since then will ultimately be the difference in this game. Expect a close game throughout.
Week 10: vs Bills
Prediction: Win
Why: Browns will look to pounce on the Bills in order to increase their division lead. Bills defense will be tough, however, so expect a low-scoring affair (24-10, or something to that effect)
*Week 11: vs Steelers
Prediction: Win
Why: A balanced offensive attack and a ferocious pass rush will down the overconfident, yet offensively depleted Steelers.
Week 12: vs Dolphins
Prediction: Win
Why: The Dolphins will look to tank for next year's draft. As long as the Browns don't underestimate them, they'll win easily.
Week 13: at Steelers
Prediction: Win
Why: This will be the game that the Browns finally snap their 15-year road losing streak against the Steelers. Expect Kareem Hunt to save the day for the Browns with a big performance. Also, don't be surprised if this game is decided by a missed kick by Chris Boswell.
Week 14: vs Bengals
Prediction: Win
Why: The Browns outscored the Bengals 61-38 in two meetings last year, with 28 of the 38 points scored by the Bengals coming in garbage time. The Browns have made major improvements; the Bengals haven't. Expect the blowouts to continue.
Week 15: at Cardinals
Prediction: Win
Why: A potential trap game for the Browns. However, by then, they will be looking either to wrap up the division or to fight for a 1st-round bye. Therefore, they won't get caught sleeping on the Cardinals. (Not to mention Baker's vendetta against Kliff Klingsbury.)
Week 16: vs Ravens
Prediction: Win
Why: IF in fact the Ravens are somehow neck-and-neck with the Browns at this point in the season, they will utilize this opportunity to eradicate all false hope that the Ravens will have of winning the division.
Week 17: at Bengals
Prediction: Win
Why: The Browns will be looking either to clinch the division or a first-round bye, so expect them to cruise to another victory. The Bengals, however, might look to play spoiler.
Final Record: 13-3
Worst-Case prediction: 10-6
Best-Case prediction: 15-1
Games that can go the other way: Week 3 vs Rams, Week 5 vs 49ers, Week 6 vs Seahawks, Week 8 at Patriots, Week 9 at Broncos Week 11 vs Steelers, vs Week 13 at Steelers
