NFL Season Preview: Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns may have pinned their hopes on a Quarterback that is now suspended for the first 11-games of the year, but with Jacoby Brissett at QB, there's a chance that this team can still fight through that and make some genuine noise in the AFC North. It's not to be easy, because there's some incredibly talented teams in this conference and on their schedule, and with a mediocre veteran in at QB, it will be a tough one to overcome, but after their first few years of success in decades, it's safe to say that the Browns aren't going to go down without a fight.

Positives

The Browns may not have a starting caliber Quarterback like they were envisioning, but with a backfield that includes Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, there is certainly going to be a way around that if they can play their hand right. Beyond that, the addition of Jadaveon Clowney to a defence that was already led by Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward will only help the Browns, and if they can pound the rock and keep opposing QB's off balance and off the field, there's a chance that this team can win some games in 2022.

Negatives

Obviously, this one is the elephant in the room. The Browns gave up their future and a ridiculous amount of guaranteed money on a Quarterback who has been in legal trouble for years, and hasn't played a full season since 2020, and now he will miss the teams first 11 games of the season. If they can't survive and be in a playoff position by the time Watson gets back, there's little chance they can fight through a tough division to find a Wild Card Spot, and while they may bounce back in 2023, if they struggle to start the season in 2022, you can put a line through the Cleveland Browns.

Team MVP

The team MVP for the Cleveland Browns can be one player on either side of the ball; Myles Garrett, the defensive wrecker or Nick Chubb with his ground and pound running style, and to survive and make a playoff spot, both of these men will need to lead the team and carry the load. Ultimately, with Kareem Hunt and some talent on the outside, the pressure is relieved a little on Chubb, whereas Myles Garrett is going to need to put up some historic numbers and make some game winning plays if this team is to go deep into January, and with his size, skill and power, if he can stay on the field, he'll be the Browns MVP in 2022.

Record Prediction

If the Browns were complete and ready to go for Week 1, they'd be challenging for the AFC North division crown, but they aren't, and as they won't have their QB until Week 12, that is going to cost them a lot of losses, and more than likely a playoff spot in 2022. With such a tough schedule and a roster that does lack some depth, this team is certainly going to win some games, but will fail to live up to expectations, and in 2022, we expect the Cleveland Browns to come away with a disappointing 6 wins, for a last place finish in the AFC North. 

Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Photo Credit: PHIL MASTURZO / USA TODAY NETWORK