The Cleveland Browns have long been viewed as one of the biggest laughing stocks in the entire NFL. They haven't been able to compete for a Super Bowl in years and have gone through quarterback after quarterback along the way. Now, it finally appears that they have made the right moves to get back into playoff contention.
Baker Mayfield took over as the Browns' starting quarterback last season and gave Cleveland hope. He showed off a terrific arm and even bigger playmaking skills. In addition to those two things, he has the mentality and “swagger” that a superstar needs to have.
John Dorsey knew that Mayfield was the man for Cleveland long-term. He went out this offseason and acquired as much talent as possible, including a blockbuster trade that landed superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. from the New York Giants. Beckham joins an offense headlined by Jarvis Landry, Nick Chubb, Mayfield, and David Njoku.
Defensively, the Browns have stockpiled a lot of talent. Myles Garrett is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL and they also have names like Denzel Ward, Olivier Vernon, Damarious Randall, and Greedy Williams to name a few.
All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at the three toughest games on the schedule for the Browns.
3. Week 9 at the Denver Broncos
While the Broncos may not be the team that they were just a few years ago, they are still going to be tough to beat this season. Von Miller and the Denver defense are going to make things difficult on Mayfield and the Browns' offense.
Even though the Browns are favored to win the AFC North by most, there are still some that think they will be fighting for a playoff spot. Denver may not be a Super Bowl contender, but they have the talent to be a playoff contender. This game could have major playoff implications down the road.
2. Week 3 vs. the Los Angeles Rams
Sean McVay and the Rams are coming off of a run to the Super Bowl last season, where they came up short against the New England Patriots. They lost a few key players this offseason, but they also added quite a few. Eric Weddle and Clay Matthews are among the additions made by L.A.
The Browns are going to have their hands full in this game. Thankfully, they are able to play in Cleveland and don't have to travel across the country. Winning this game early in the year would be a tone setter for the rest of the season.
1. Week 8 at the New England Patriots
Finally, the Browns are going to face off against Tom Brady and the Patriots in Week 8. This will be a game that fans view as must-see TV for football fans. Both teams have high-powered offenses and it is truly going to be a battle of old versus new.
Cleveland has received a lot of hype this offseason, but it's time for them to earn it. This will be a chance for them to prove that they are deserving of all the talk that they have heard.
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