By: Michael Higgins

2023 was another season that saw the Cleveland Browns’ defense drag them to any bit of success. They went 11-6 with Joe Flacco starting for them in the year 2023. They are soon going to feel the effects of that contract they gave to QB Deshaun Watson, but not yet in 2024.

They lost a minimal number of guys this offseason, letting LB Anthony Walker, LB Sione Takitaki, DT Jordan Elliott, and TE Harrison Bryant walk in free agency.

They were able to sign a bunch of difference makers to one-year deals in the offseason. QB Jameis Winston, DT Quinton Jefferson, and RB Nyheim Hines all signed a short deal. They were also able to bring in LB Jordan Hicks on a two-year deal worth $8M.

In the draft, I thought the Browns did an OK job with the picks they had. They took DT Michael Hall in the 2nd round and unfortunately, he is already having serious off-the-field issues. Other picks that should contribute this season include IOL Zak Zinter and WR Jamari Thrash.

The Browns start the season at home against the Cowboys, go on the road to play the Jaguars, come back home to play the Giants, and then head west to play the Raiders to round out September. The Browns go 3-1 in September.

Two more road games start October with the Commanders and Eagles, then two home games against division rivals in the Bengals and the Ravens to finish the month. The Browns go 2-2 in October.

The Browns host the Chargers before a Week 10 bye. After the bye, they go on the road to play the Saints, and back home to play the Steelers on Thursday Night Football. The Browns go 2-1 in November.

The final month of games starts with two road games against the Broncos on Monday Night Football and the Steelers the following week. They then host the Chiefs, travel to play the Bengals on Thursday Night Football, play the Dolphins at home, and finish the season on the road against the Ravens. The Browns go 2-4 in this final gauntlet of contests.

I have the Cleveland Browns finishing the 2024 season with a record of 9-8. This is not their ceiling, I could see them winning a few more games, but quarterback play is going to have to significantly improve, and their defense is going to need to produce at a historic rate.

2023 Record: 11-6

2024 Record: 9-8