Are the Browns Legit Contenders?
Is the Cleveland Browns a Playoff Team?
This will be the question as the Browns beat the Steelers Thursday night to go 3–1. Unless you’re the Miz, you most likely didn’t expect the Browns starting this well, and that includes myself. When I wrote my expectations for the Browns, I had them winning 5–6 games and here we are 4 weeks into the sason and the Browns are already halfway with my expectations. It really goes to show how much the Browns and Deshaun Watson have changed since the departure of former coach Kevin Stefanski. Much credit has to go to new coach Todd Monken in believing in Watson and making the most out of his opportunity of being a head coach. It has seemed Monken has changed the culture in Cleveland and has given the fans and the team a belief they can win. They have now won 3 games in a row and all were won on game winning drives. The question is if this is sustainable and can Monken lead this team to the playoffs.
If the Browns keep up the current pace, they basically have a 50/50 shot of making the playoffs. As they have been better than expected and it helps they were scheduled the easiest schedule in the NFL this season based off of opponents record from last season. They have also improved on offense in scoring. In 2025, the Browns only scored 20 or more points last season 5 times, and here now they have done so three straight times. Other than the first week against the Jaguars, the defense has played quite well, and the big change was going to more man coverage which is what the Browns defense was built for. The Cleveland Browns also have the 2nd youngest roster in the NFL, which brings a lot of hope with the fans as we all know that this team has room to grow with such a young roster. Now some may be thinking, why am I saying all these good things but only giving them a 50/50 shot? Simple answer is that I’m not sure the way they are winning is sustainable. They do have the schedule to win games, but 26 penalties in the last 2 games is not sustainable. The offense is trending up and the young players are learning and growing, but winning three straight with game winning drives are also not sustainable. Last night for example, the Browns had a chance to put the gas on the pedal when up 21–10, but a Deshaun Watson fumble and interception occured, one of which was close to the redzone.
Here is a look at the remaining schedule for the Browns:
Week 5: @ NY Jets
Week 6: vs Ravens
Week 7: @ Titans
Week 8: @ Steelers
Week 9: @ Saints
Week 10: vs Texans
Week 11: BYE
Week 12: vs Raiders
Week 13: vs Bengals
Week 14: vs Falcons
Week 15: @ NY Giants
Week 16: @ Ravens
Week 17: vs Colts
Week 18: @ Bengals
As of now, 8 of those teams have a .500 record or worse. The Browns have a chance to make a playoff spot with this schedule, however, the penalties and the Browns killing the Browns has to stop. This team needs discipline at almost all levels. There was a crucial penalty last night where the Steelers were at their 1 yards line, and Jared Verse jumped offsides. You can’t have those crucial mistakes. If the Browns can stop the penalties and the offense stays consistent or continues to improve, this team can make the playoffs. As of now, I still have the Browns missing the playoffs, but they will make it closer than what many thought. I have them missing the playoffs just because from what I have seen thus far, I just don’t see it being sustainable. They do however, have the potential to clinch a spot if they improve on where they need to and Watson can continue to play better as he is close to completing 70% of his passes.
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Author — Jesse Robertson(Benchwarmer Broadcasting Co-host)