Cleveland Browns 2015 game-by-game preview and predictions
Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs with the ball during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Oct. 11, 2015 @ Baltimore Ravens
After a trip out west a week prior, the Browns must travel to Baltimore and take on the hated Ravens in Week 5. The division rival and arch nemesis boasts the most formidable offense and defense the Browns will face to this point of the season. One of the bullies of the AFC North, the Ravens offense can be explosive with Joe Flacco at the helm and veteran WR Steve Smith streaking down field, while on defense linebackers Terrell Suggs and up-and-comer C.J. Mosley wreak havoc on opposing offenses. The Browns competed with the Ravens in 2014 and probably would have beaten them twice if their quarterback play didn’t buckle down the stretch in each game. Personally, I don’t have a great feeling about Josh McCown’s first AFC North match-up. Ravens 31, Browns 13
Oct. 18, 2015 vs. Denver Broncos
In probably his last visit to Cleveland in his career, Peyton Manning brings his Denver Broncos to town for a Week 6 match-up down on the lakefront. The Broncos come in with a new coach, Gary Kubiak, but basically the same team they fielded the past few seasons. Sure, Wes Welker and Julius Thomas bolted, but when you have Manning at the helm you always have weapons as he elevates everyone’s game around him. If this game was later in the year I’d probably take the Browns since Manning struggles in the cold, but in mid-October I see the Broncos beginning to hit their stride. The Browns should keep it close and beat them up, but Manning leads them on a drive to prevail in the end. Broncos 38, Browns 31
Oct. 25, 2015 @ St. Louis Rams
In what may be their last time travelling to St. Louis to face the Rams (the Rams are rumored to be one of several teams to be interested in moving to Los Angeles) the Browns look to bounce back after three consecutive losses. The Rams retooled their offense this past offseason as they traded quarterback Sam Bradford for quarterback Nick Foles and drafted RB Todd Gurley. The Rams defense is young and hungry, with their defensive line being the strongest unit. Luckily, the Browns offensive line is one of their strengths, and look for the Browns defense to outperform the Rams defense. Browns 17, Rams 13
Nov. 1, 2015 vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals come into FirstEnergy Stadium right as the weather begins to grow cold. The warm weather red birds fly into town with Larry Fitzgerald and Carson Palmer leading Bruce Arians’ high-flying offensive attack. Well that’s if Palmer can remain healthy coming off last year’s knee injury. The Cardinals also have a top flight secondary led by Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu, who are sure to give the Browns QB fits. All reasons to predict a Cardinals win, but I can’t see it. Browns 27, Cardinals 20
Next: Weeks 9-13