Browns Win Sets Up Next Quarter of Season Nicely

Sep 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) speaks with Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) after the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Cincinnati Bengals defeated Baltimore Ravens 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Here is a look at the rest of the division and their opponents for their next 4 games:

Bengals – Panthers, Colts, Ravens and Jaguars

Those are three very tough games and a cupcake. The Bengals could win all of those games but are realistically setup for a 2 – 2 stretch during this time. That would put them at 5 – 3 through their first 8 games. The Bengals, like the Browns have already had their bye week.

Ravens – Bucs, Falcons, Bengals and Steelers

The Ravens have not yet had their bye. The more veteran team will benefit from a later bye, Week 11. This four game stretch will be interesting for the team. The Bucs are not a cupcake but should be a win and the Falcons have struggled this season after a bad year last year as well. The Bengals and Steelers will be a test but the Ravens should pull out one of those games. A 3 – 1 record here is not unreasonable to expect. The rest of the Ravens schedule seems far less daunting than their early portion. That would put the Ravens at 6 – 3 through their first nine games.

Steelers – Browns, Texans, Colts and Ravens

Much like the Bengals the Steelers have a tough schedule. The Browns gave them all they could handle in Week 1 and should come in playing with confidence.  The Texans offense has struggled some but just took the Cowboys to overtime before losing and still sit 3 – 2. The Steelers tend to play up to big games and this one is at home on Monday night. The Colts and Ravens could make things difficult for the Steelers as they wait for their Week 10 bye. A 2 – 2 record is likely the best that can be expected. That would put the Steelers at 5 – 4 through their first nine games. the Steelers last four games, much like the Browns, are daunting.

Given those predictions the Browns at 5 – 3 or 6 – 2 would be sitting near or at the top of the division going into Week 10, their ninth game. A lot of confidence as the Browns head into a showdown with the Bengals, that could be for the division lead. Looking at the Browns third quarter of games, starting with the Bengals, the Browns have 3 winnable games and a tough one against Cincinnati. Sets up for an exciting close to the season.

What do you think about looking at the Browns schedule in groups of four games? Does it get you excited?