The Cleveland Browns? A team that other ballclubs should fear? Really?

Times have changed. The Browns have gone from complete doormats to a legitimately decent NFL team, and rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield is completely aware of the shift.

Mayfield is enjoying a tremendous rookie season, throwing for 3,065 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 63.9 percent of his passes and registering a passer rating of 92.6.

The Browns are coming off of an impressive road win over the Denver Broncos to improve to 6-7-1 on the year. At the time, Cleveland had vaulted itself into playoff contention in the AFC. Even though it looked unlikely, the fact that we were mentioning the Browns as a playoff contender was a massive step in the right direction.

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Of course, Cleveland was ultimately eliminated from postseason contention following the Tennessee Titans' win over the Washington Redskins on Saturday night, but the Browns are coming.

Not only did they land Mayfield with the first overall pick of the NFL Draft back in April, but they also picked up cornerback Denzel Ward at No. 4 overall and selected running back Nick Chubb in the second round.

All three of those players have been significant contributors on the Browns this season, and it looks like Cleveland actually has a legitimate future for the first time in what seems like centuries.

The Browns have not made the playoffs since the 2002-03 campaign, representing the longest active drought in the NFL. However, it seems like the tables are about to turn, and we might see Cleveland playing January football very, very soon.