Does history favor the Cleveland Browns in 2020?

Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans

All-time record: Texans 7 – Browns 3

The Cleveland Browns have played the Texans 10 times despite the fact that the Texans have only been in existence since 2002. The Browns won the first two matchups in 2002 and 2004. However the Texans have won 7 of the last 8 games. The Texans have also outscored the Browns 212-160 in the series.

I suppose the most memorable/significant win for the Browns against the Texans would be in 2007. The Browns beat the Texans 27-17 on their way to a 10-6 season, the last time the Browns had a winning record.  Jamal Lewis ran for 134 years on 29 carries and Derek Anderson threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns.

Cleveland Browns vs. Tennessee Titans

All-time record: Browns  35 – Titans 32

Unlike the Cleveland Browns, the Tennessee Titans took the history of the Houston Oilers with it to Tennessee. This gives the Browns have a lengthy history with the franchise. In the 1980s, the Browns and the Oilers had many classic matchups. In fact, the Titans and the Browns were in the same division (an expanded AFC Central) from 1999-2001 so the Browns and Titans played twice in each of those years.

In the expansion era, the Browns are 5-10 against the Titans. Of course, fans have a bitter taste from last season’s opening week 43-13 loss. However, the Titans were also the opponent for one of the most exciting games in the expansion era. In 2014, the Browns rallied from a 28-3 deficit to beat the Titans 29-28 in Nashville.

Cleveland Browns vs. Indianapolis Colts

All-time record: Browns  17 – Colts 17

The Colts have a particular significance for the Browns. Of course as NFL fans know, before the Colts moved to Indianapolis, the Colts belonged to Baltimore. And it was the Baltimore Colts that the Cleveland Browns defeated 27-0 to win the team’s last championship. Heading into the team’s week 5 matchup, the Browns and the Colts have each won 17 matchups. However, in the expansion era the Colts have had the better of the Browns winning eight of the nine games. The Browns lone win came in 2011 when the Browns beat the Colts 27-19. Peyton Hillis ran for 94 yards and two touchdowns.

Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

All-time record: Jaguars 12 – Browns 5

For reasons that are not completely clear, the Browns have never played particularly well against the Jaguars. It seems whether the teams play in Cleveland or in Jacksonville, the Browns have had their fair share of disappointment against the Jaguars. In fact, the Jaguars have won the last three meetings. The last game the Browns won was in 2011. The most famous, or maybe infamous, game played between the two teams occurred in 2001. The infamous “Bottlegate” game got its name when fans began peppering First Energy stadium with beer bottles after the officials overturned an apparent completion from Tim Couch to Quincy Morgan. Although it appeared the officials made the right call, the Browns had managed to spike the ball. NFL rules state that once another play is run the officials can’t review a previous play. Needless to say the fans were incensed and began hurling bottles of beer unto the field.