Cleveland Browns 2015 game-by-game preview and predictions
January 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) reacts after free safety Earl Thomas (29) intercepts a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first half in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 13, 2015 vs. San Francisco 49ers
This is not the same 49ers teams of the last few years. Coach Jim Harbaugh resigned after the season and took the head coaching job at the University of Michigan. Multiple defensive players opted for retirement, including defensive leader Patrick Willis. The 49ers are as big of a question mark as any team entering the 2015 season. Colin Kaepernick is a game changer at quarterback, but the question marks with the rest of the offense and the new-look defense is what keeps the 49ers somewhat of a mystery. Coming into Cleveland in mid-December to face a strong Browns defense and a raucous Dawg Pound crowd doesn’t play in their favor, either. Browns 20, 49ers 17
Dec. 20, 2015 @ Seattle Seahawks
A trip to the Northwest to face the Seahawks in Seattle is never fun. The Seahawks hold one of the top home-field advantages in sports, along with a ferocious defense led by CB Richard Sherman. Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch spearhead the offensive attack along with new addition TE Jimmy Graham. The Browns struggle after a long flight west and are steamrolled by the Seahawks. Seahawks 33, Browns 13
Dec. 27, 2015 @ Kansas City Chiefs
From one top home-field advantage to another, the Browns travel to Kansas City and face the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium in the second-to-last game of the regular season. Head Coach Andy Reid boasts an offense led by QB Alex Smith and star RB Jaamal Charles that has the ability to rack up points and quickly. The Kansas City defense is young and stout as well, led by OLB Tamba Hali and Company. The Browns struggle with the crowd noise and special teams on the day, dropping another road game. Chiefs 27, Browns 16
Jan. 3, 2016 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The season comes to a close with the Steelers making their only visit to the lakefront. The Browns come into the finale 3-2 after the bye week, setting up a chance to finish the year with a win against their rival and an 8-8 record. On the opposing sideline, the Steelers come in needing a win to get into the playoffs. The Browns defense is hungry to avenge the loss earlier in the year in Pittsburgh and sends everyone home happy. Browns 20, Steelers 18
So there you have it. If it all plays out like we see it here, the Browns finish the year at 9-7, which is a two-game improvement over last season. They do probably miss the playoffs after finishing third in the division, but it looks to be a year in which they continue to progress and build upon the 7-9 finish of 2014.