Cleveland Browns' 2008 Prediction

So it’s that time again. The best time of the year...football season. With the NCAA starting up this past weekend, and the NFL kicking off 2008 on Thursday, anticipation has not been higher in Cleveland since the late 1980s. It is a season full of expectations for the Browns, but they do have a daunting task ahead of them.

The have one of the league’s toughest schedules, as they must face the potent AFC South and NFC East. Both divisions produced three playoff teams in 2007. They also must face their nemesis, the hated Pittsburgh Steelers, on the shores of Lake Erie in primetime on Week Two and again in Week 17 in Pittsburgh.

This following a lackluster preseason where they looked disjointed and unorganized, and the first teams rarely played together as a complete unit. Injuries, although minor, managed to disrupt any sort of flow as Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards, and Jamal Lewis all missed significant time in camp.

The defense has looked just like last year’s version, giving away rushing yards like they were candy, failing to get any sort of pass rush, and were not able to generate turnovers.  Even special-teams ace Josh Cribbs has come down with the dreaded “high-ankle sprain,” and his status for the start of the season remains in doubt.

With all that said, how will the 2008 season play out? Here’s how I see it going.

Week One Dallas

The Cowboys, not the Steelers, were the Browns' chief rivals prior to the merger in 1970, so it’s only fitting they open up the campaign in 2008 with both teams having high expectations.

I think the game will be closer than many will think, but I see the Cowboys taking advantage of the Browns’ sluggish preseason and weak secondary for a Dallas win.

LOSS

Week Two Pittsburgh

This is where the season hinges. Week Two versus the "Appalachian Inbred." At night. On National TV. The Browns have narrowed the talent gap with the Steelers, but the mental hurdle remains. Can they believe they can beat the Steelers and finally make a statement? I think they can, but I don’t know...

Week Three at Baltimore

The Browns have always matched up well against the Ravens. I see the Ravens as still not having their QB-situation sorted out, and the aging Ravens' defense can be made vulnerable. The Browns will be able to score, the Ratbirds will not.

WIN

Week Four at Cincinnati

Mike Brown continues to tarnish his father’s great legacy.  I see the Browns amped up for revenge on their misstep in The ‘Nati in 2007 in another high-octane offensive shoot-out. 

WIN

Week Five BYE

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