Let me start off by saying I don’t play the schedule game. I won’t be giving guesses on the Browns win/loss record for two reasons. I don’t know who will start at quarterback and I don’t know who will be on the final 53-man roster. To add to this, injuries play a big part in an NFL’s team’s fortunes. No one last year could have predicted the Vikings winning fourteen games with Sam Darnold starting. Injuries played a big part in the Browns record the last two seasons. In 2023 they miraculously won eleven games starting five different quarterbacks. Last year the record went the other way starting the season playing two tackles who should’ve been on the practice squad and realistically having no quarterbacks. I look at situations and circumstances and this year there are plenty. Here’s what I like.

Kevin Stefanski’s record at home is 26-16 despite losing six home games last year. He’s won three out of five home openers and is 4-3 in home openers against the Bengals. Cincinnati swept the Browns last for the first time since 2017. Against the NFC he’s 14-13, going 0-5 last year. He’s 2-0 versus Mike Varbel. Having the bye week fall in the middle of the schedule is what the Browns asked for and received from the league. Having no prime-time games is a blessing because there are no short weeks. After the bye in week nine, the Browns play five of nine games at home. Starting with two division games, this team will find out who they are right out of the gate.

What I don’t like.

Although the game in London against the Vikings is a home game, Cleveland will have three road games weeks four through six. As mentioned earlier I like the week nine bye week, but it’s sandwiched between to road games, at the Patriots and at the Jets. Another three game stretch without a home game. No prime-time games mean no short weeks, but it also means no “mini byes.” It’s nice for a team to play on Thursday then not have to play another game for ten days. There are three road games that worry me. At Detroit where the Browns are 1-10 all time, at the Raiders where the Browns haven’t won since 2012 and at the Patriots where the Browns haven’t won since 1992. Closing out the season with three tough opponents, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and at Cincinnati. Cleveland has had success against the Steelers at home recently, but those are three opponents who will be playing for seeding in the playoffs.

Kevin Stefanski has never started a season 2-0 but has started the season 3-1 twice. If this team is 3-1 before going to London, which is highly unlikely, I would consider it a great start. Just remember, stranger things have happened and its only May.