The Cleveland Browns have been the laughing stock of the NFL since returning to the league in 1999. Cleveland has been to the playoffs just once since then and hasn’t won more than seven games in the last decade. However, things might finally be starting to turn around. The Browns still don’t have a very good offense, but this defense has some talent and all four of the team’s top draft picks look set to immediately contribute.
Cleveland Browns Futures Odds at BookMaker.eu
Browns Over 4.5 Wins -130
Browns Under 4.5 Wins +100
2017 Browns Offense Preview
Brock Osweiler looks set to start the season as the Browns quarterback, but it’s only a matter of time before either DeShone Kizer or Cody Kessler wrestle the job away. Kizer is the more likely to candidate to be the eventual starter after the Browns used a high second-round pick on him in this year’s draft. He has been impressive in both training camp and the preseason, but doesn’t have a lot of talent to work with.
The primary receiving target this year might be David Njoku. Neither Corey Coleman nor Kenny Britt have been particularly impressive as the starting wide receivers, but Njoku is another example of why athletic tight ends are prioritized in the current NFL. He has the frame and speed to catch 60 or 70 passes this season and will make a good safety valve for either Kizer or Osweiler.
Isaiah Crowell was the most reliable player on this offense last season. He didn’t reach the 1,000-yard plateau, but that was due more to opportunity than skill. Crowell was rated as one of the better running backs by Football Outsiders and he will be running behind a revamped offensive line this season. Joe Thomas remains one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL and the addition of right guard Kevin Zeitler will help crack 1,000 yards this year.
2017 Browns Defense Preview
Cleveland may have struck gold with its No. 1 overall draft pick. Rather than reach for a quarterback that may or may not pan out, the Browns took the most talented player in the draft this offseason. Myles Garrett is an electric pass rusher off the edge and will give offensive tackles fits in pass protection. He has an explosive first step, causing tackles to have to sprint backward in order to stop him from creaming the quarterback. Garrett is still learning how to be a competent run stuffer, but he should rack up a number of sacks this year, especially against the quarterbacks in the AFC North.
The Browns surprised some by being able to re-sign linebacker Jamie Collins this offseason. Cleveland acquired him from New England and Collins had a great season en route to a Pro Bowl appearance. He is easily the best linebacker on the roster and the Browns need him to have another good year in 2017.
2017 Cleveland Browns Schedule Analysis
Cleveland won’t be able to beat Pittsburgh, we know that. The Browns have only defeated the Steelers six times since returning to the NFL and most of those games haven’t been close. It will be tough for Cleveland to beat a very good Cincinnati team as well, but it may be able to knock off Baltimore once.
Things look rosier in non-divisional play. The Browns have winnable games against teams from the AFC South and NFC North and a last-place schedule means games against the Chargers and Jets too. If Cleveland is going to finish with five or more wins, these games are where the team must perform.
The Final Verdict
For the first time in two decades, the future is bright in Cleveland. The Browns have a seemingly competent front office, a good coach, and a talented, young roster. However, it will take time for those players to mature. The Browns could be a surprise playoff team in 2018, but are a year away from being good.
NFL Odds: Cleveland Browns Under 4.5 Wins
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