AFC North 2021 Schedule Analysis: Cleveland Browns

After making the playoffs for the first time in two decades, the Cleveland Browns enter the 2021 season full of expectations. The Browns will be going into the season under reigning Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski for year two with a revamped defense and an offense that will look to improve from 2020. Let us analyze the schedule and see how the Browns will fare in 2021.

Last Year’s Record: 11-5

Most Intriguing Game: at Kansas City Chiefs, Week 1

It can be argued that the Browns drew the worst possible matchup for Week 1 as they take on the reigning AFC champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. This game is a rematch of the divisional round of the 2020 NFL Playoffs, where the Chiefs knocked off Cleveland 22-17. This game is intriguing because it is arguably the game of the week between two of the top teams in the AFC and will prove to be a good measuring stick for the Browns to see where they need to improve during the year. It is going to be tough to go into Arrowhead for the first game of the year and get a win, but anything is possible.

Most Important Game: at Baltimore Ravens, Week 12

This may be by far the most important game of the Cleveland Browns season will be their last game before their bye against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12. Cleveland plays the Ravens in back-to-back games with a bye week splitting the games. This matchup is the first of the two and could prove to be huge in the division race. As of right now, the Browns and Ravens are projected to fight for the division, making the head-to-head matchups that much more important. If Cleveland can get off to a hot start and cap it off with a huge road victory over their division foe before the bye week. If they lose, it might put them behind the eight ball in the race for the division with an uphill climb going into their bye week.

Most Important Stretch: Weeks 4-7

While it is tough to judge a team in May, it is looking like right now the most important stretch for the Browns will be from Week 4 to Week 7. In this stretch, Cleveland travels to Minnesota to play the Vikings, followed by another road game against the Chargers. After that, the Browns will get two home games against the Cardinals and Broncos. The Broncos, while not projected to be the toughest of teams, will be a big game for the Browns as it is the week before a divisional matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Cleveland can rattle off three out of four in this stretch, it will put them in a good position to start their season.

Prediction: 13-4

After reviewing the Browns schedule, I predict the Browns win their division with a record of 13-4. With the team likely to gel on the defensive side as the year goes on, they might get off to a bumpy start, starting the year 3-2 with losses to the Chiefs and Chargers. After that, I expect them to start rattling off victories with wins over teams like the Broncos, Patriots, and Lions. Cleveland should also take care of business against the Raiders and win a tough battle against the Packers on Christmas Day. In division, Cleveland should finish 4-2, sweeping the Bengals and splitting the season series with both the Ravens and Steelers. If everything goes right, it should be a fun season for the Cleveland Browns.

Info from profootballreference.com

Writer

-By: Richie Dordas