The Cleveland Browns are coming off a 2023 season which saw them making the playoffs for the 2nd time in 4 years. Cleveland's 2023 season ended with a loss to the Houston Texans. The Browns' head coach, Kevin Stefanski, was named NFL COY for the 2nd time in 4 years, while Myles Garrett was voted by the players as the Defensive POY. Cleveland's successful season a year ago was sparked by the play of QB Joe Flacco, and a defense that ranked near the top of the NFL.

The main issue heading into the 2024 season will be the play of QB DeShaun Watson. Will he finally live up to the hype that came when the Browns signed him, or will it be yet another disappointing season for a player who has been oft-injured or has underperformed more often than not. He did go 5-1 as a starter last season until a shoulder injury sidelined him for the balance of 2023. RB Nick Chubb is still rehabbing from a severe knee injury and won't be available for at least 4 games, while newly acquired WR Jerry Jeudy will add another target for Watson.

The defense returns most of the players that put together a season that saw them hold opponents to around 10 PPG in home games. DC Jim Schwartz has changed the defensive culture in Cleveland, putting a unit on the field whose hallmark is aggressive and physical play.

The Browns' schedule is ranked the #1 toughest in the NFL, with 4 of the first 6 games are on the road. Game 1 features a highly anticipated matchup with the Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns Stadium. 

Let's hope that our Browns can make it 3 out of 5 years in the playoffs. I'm going with .11-6, even with a tough schedule, 10-7 at worst. It may all rest on the right arm of DeShaun Watson.

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