Cleveland Browns schedule release: 7 Most winnable games in 2020
By Hank Kilburn
The Cleveland Browns schedule was released and features plenty of winnable games for this rejuvenated team.
The Cleveland Browns just released their schedule for this season and fans should get excited. While playing the “schedule game” has usually led to disappointment by season’s end, this year feels different.
The Browns’ opponents finished a combined 118-138 last season giving Cleveland the 29th ranked strength of schedule. Obviously, rosters change, coaches make adjustments, and injuries occur so you can take the strength of schedule with a grain of salt. However, based on what players have been saying about Kevin Stefanski, there is reason to be cautiously optimistic about this season.
Playoffs aren’t such a crazy idea this time around. Take a look at the most winnable games.
Week 2 and Week 7 against Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals landed the top quarterback prospect in Joe Burrow but still pose no threat in the AFC North let alone the NFL.
Adding Vonn Bell and Mackensie Alexander in free agency was an upgrade to their defense. However, the Browns have too many receiving weapons for two players to cover for an entire game. Look for Jarvis Landry and Rashard Higgins to put up big numbers in these games.
On the line, Geno Atkins is aging and his numbers last season took a step back. He only recorded 4.5 sacks, 18 solo tackles, and four tackles for loss which were significant drop-offs from 2018. D.J. Reader was a solid signing to pair up with Atkins, but the Browns’ offensive line looks to be one of the best in the league. Advantage, Cleveland.
Mike Brown made a few moves to bolster their offense in the offseason. Outside of Burrow, he drafted Tee Higgins to line up with A.J. Green. Brown also added depth to the running back room with the signing of Samaje Perine and Jacques Patrick.
This all sounds promising except for the fact that the Bengals have been using this same formula to build their offense for over a decade. Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson, Andy Dalton and Green, and now Burrow and Higgins. It never seems to work and won’t work this time around either.
The Browns should win both games and one in a blowout.