What a turnaround it’s been for the Browns since their winless 2017-18 season. The Browns are now legitimate Super Bowl contenders, and it all starts with an elite offensive line. Cleveland returns all its starters from what many considered last year’s best offensive line. Running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt – both extremely talented players on their own – are even more unstoppable behind this unit. The Browns will control the clock this year, just as they did in the season prior, and that strategy works in part because of Baker Mayfield’s ability to limit turnovers. Mayfield recorded the eighth-lowest INT% last season, ranking behind Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes and Drew Brees, among others. In an offense that doesn’t necessarily require elite wide receiver play, the Browns could get elite production from Odell Beckham Jr., who is set to return from a torn ACL that he suffered last October. Last season, the Browns rushed for the third-most yards and were tied for the third-fewest number of turnovers in football. Expect more of that winning strategy this year.
Cleveland’s defense was not as impressive as their offense last year. The Browns were middle-of-the-pack in both yards and points allowed last season, as well as in takeaways. They lost Sheldon Richardson to free agency, both added former first-overall pick Jadeveon Clowney. Of course, it wouldn’t be a complete preview for Cleveland if Myles Garrett wasn’t mentioned. Depending on who you ask, Garrett is either the favorite or a close second to win Defensive Player of the Year, and rightfully so. Denzel Ward leads the secondary and is joined by John Johnson III, who was signed this offseason, and Greg Newsome II, who Cleveland brought in via the draft.
The Browns didn’t lose any of their stars this offseason, and added solid players on the defensive side of the ball. Cleveland also has an excellent coach, Kevin Stefanski, who enters his second year with the Browns after being named the NFL Coach of the Year last season. Unfortunately for the Browns, they play in what is likely the second-best division in football. The Steelers and Ravens will both contend for playoff spots, leaving little margin for error for Cleveland. The Browns have the roster to compete though, and they have the potential to make a deep run in this year’s playoffs.
Regular season record prediction: 12-5