Game-by-Game Predictions for Cleveland Browns 2013 Schedule

Game-by-game predictions for Cleveland's 2013 schedule is a great way for Browns fans to distract themselves from another January without playoff football.

As the hunt for a new head coach continues, we will be breaking down each matchup based on the Browns current roster.

On paper, Cleveland has another tough schedule, as they battle each team from the AFC East and NFC North.

Every all-time series record and last game played result featured in this article can be referenced at Pro-Football Reference.

How will the Browns fare next season? Let's find out.

HOME: Buffalo Bills

All-Time Record

Browns lead series 10-7

Last Meeting

September 23, 2012: Buffalo dominated in Cleveland with a 24-14 victory.

Buffalo possesses the longest playoff drought in the NFL at 13 years. Cleveland is not far behind, having last made the postseason in 2002.

These two struggling franchises are similar in many ways.

Each club is hiring a new head coach in hopes of changing a losing culture.

Both teams have question marks at the quarterback position and feature strong, yet underutilized, running backs.

Plenty of changes are expected personnel-wise, making this early prediction especially tricky.

This matchup will come down to defenses that are strong in different areas.

The Bills ranked 10th overall against the pass and were polar opposites versus the run at 31st, whereas the Browns were stronger defending the run (19th) and struggled on the passing game, at 25th.

During their head-to-head contest in Week 3 of this past regular season, Buffalo ran for a combined 138-yards, including 91 from the number three RB, Tashard Choice, as the visitors embarrassed Cleveland.

However, this was a Browns squad with 17 rookies in only their third NFL game.

Receivers Josh Gordon and Greg Little are totally different players now. Throw in a healthy Trent Richardson and "Believeland" will exact revenge in 2013.

Prediction: WIN

Browns 23 over Bills 17

AWAY: New England Patriots

All-Time Record

Browns lead series 12-9

Last Meeting

November 7, 2010: Cleveland pulled off a huge upset at home 34-14.

Following a 1-2 start to this 2012 campaign, the Patriots rebounded and looked like, well, the Patriots.

Quarterback Tom Brady delivered sensational numbers, leading his team to a 12-4 record, 34 touchdowns, only eight interceptions, for 4,827 yards, proving that No. 12 is as good as ever.

The only glaring weakness in New England's armor is their pass defense, which sits at a lowly 29th overall.

Cleveland did secure a David vs. Goliath victory two years ago and, in 2012, averaged 214.7 passing yards per game.

However, that club had Colt McCoy as its starting QB and came during Peyton Hillis' flash-in-the-pan breakout rushing season. The game was also played at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

This current group of Browns can hang with anyone, mainly because of their defense.

They only lost by more than 10 points once in the first 14 weeks of the year. Then of course the wheels fell off during the Washington matchup and caused a downward spiral the rest of the way.

If it was being held in front of the Dawg Pound I would like Cleveland's chances better. New England is fierce at home and was 6-2 in Foxboro in 2012. The Browns need to hope that the hosts underestimate them like they did back in 2010.

Prediction: LOSS

Patriots come on strong in the second half to take it 34-21.

HOME: Miami Dolphins

All-Time Record

Browns lead series 8-7

Last Meeting

September 25, 2011: In Cleveland, the Browns squeezed out an exciting 17-6 win.

Two of this past draft's rookie quarterbacks to not make the playoffs battle it out in their sophomore seasons.

Both signal callers had their ups and downs, but let's compare the year one statistics.

Miami's Ryan Tannehill threw for 3294 yards, 12 touchdowns, 13 interceptions with a QB rating of 76.1.

Cleveland's Brandon Weeden delivered 14 scores for 17 interceptions and 3385 passing yards. His QB rating was 72.6.

The winner seems to be Tannehill who also produced two extra wins than Weeden, leading his Dolphins to a 7-9 finish.

It will be interesting to track the progress of both men and who can come out on top when they square off.

This ultimately comes down to the running backs. Reggie Bush vs. Trent Richardson.

Bush came close to a 1000-yard rushing season as did Richardson.

The biggest difference is that Cleveland's T-Rich is six years younger and scored four more total touchdowns in 2012, all with broken ribs and a surgically repaired knee.

Prediction: WIN

Give the edge to the home team.

Richardson rushes for over 100 as the Browns edge out Miami 20-16.

AWAY: New York Jets

All-Time Record

Browns lead series 12-8

Last Meeting

November 14, 2010: New York came from behind in Cleveland to take the game 26-20.

Despite being considered the circus of the NFL, the New York Jets will be at home for this one.

Cleveland managed to win only a single game as the visitor in 2012. Until this young group can prove it can be victorious outside of Northeast Ohio, then they will continue to be road underdogs.

The Sanchez/Tebow quarterback experiment was a disaster, so it is unclear who the starter will be for New York.

Although their offense is in shambles, the Jets pass defense was rated second in the league.

Cornerback tandem Antonio Cromartie and LaRon Landry were a big part of that as was linebacker David Harris' 123 tackles.

The Browns LB corps will have their hands full with rusher Shonn Greene, who put up 1063 yards on the ground this season.

Prediction: WIN

If the green and white look anything like they did this year then Cleveland comes out on top.

The Browns need to avoid costly interceptions and get Trent Richardson going early and often.

Running the rock effectively must be the club's primary focus. On the other side of the football, preventing Greene from burning them for big gains is key.

Cleveland snaps up a confidence boosting road "W" 20-13.

HOME: Chicago Bears

All-Time Record

Browns lead series 9-5

Last Meeting

November 1, 2009: Browns got thumped in Chicago 30-6

Missing the playoffs with a 10-6 record was enough for Chicago to say goodbye to head coach Lovie Smith after nine-years of service.

Still a top-10 ranked defense, the Bears are equally effective at stuffing the run and eliminating passing opportunities.

Weeden will need to avoid the 5'8" ball hawking cornerback, Tim Jennings, at all costs.

Jennings led Chicago with nine interceptions and 21 passes defended. Don't forget about his outside CB partner Charles Tillman, who after 10 seasons is still a legitimate threat.

Quarterback Jay Cutler may have the TV commercials, but Matt Forte's 1094 rushing yards for five scores is what fuels the Bears offense.

The Browns need to take away Cutler's favorite receiving target in Brandon Marshall so that the visitors have to rely primarily on the run.

This way Forte can be swarmed and it will force some quick three-and-out drives.

Prediction: LOSS

Cleveland must keep Chicago's defenders on the field as much as possible in the hope that they will wear down.

This will be a close, grinding, old school type of contest. Bears sneak out of Ohio with an ugly 13-10 win.

AWAY: Green Bay Packers

All-Time Record

Browns trail in series 7-10

Last Meeting

October 25, 2009: The Packers rode into Cleveland and dominated 31-3

It is bad news for any team having to go into Lambeau Field and this past season proved that once again.

The Packers were 7-1 at the frozen tundra, which sits over 73,000 rabid cheese heads and is home to a guy named Aaron Rodgers.

With an unbelievable passer rating of 108 and throwing for over 4000 yards, Rodgers is, simply put, the man in Green Bay. 39 touchdowns against eight interceptions and a 67.2 completion percentage puts an exclamation point on his dominance.

However, Green Bay does not currently possess a go-to running back. Their leader on the ground was Alex Green who collected under 500-yards and did not score. In fact, Rodgers used his feet to get to the end zone twice and was second in team rushing.

The Packers are obviously one dimensional, yet they keep winning. A lot of that credit goes to the offense, but let's give the defense some love too.

Rookie corner Casey Hayward came out of nowhere to lead the squad in interceptions (6). He also forced a fumble and defended 21 passes.

The secondary's strength continues with their top tackler, safety Morgan Burnett.

Ideally, Cleveland upgrades at cornerback and safety in the offseason. The addition of another shut down CB on the outside will be a key factor when trying to limit Rodgers' effectiveness.

If not, then Green Bay's passing attack will avoid Joe Haden and pick apart the rest of the field.

Prediction: LOSS

Browns get down early and play catch up all game. Packers capitalize on home field advantage 34-17.

HOME: Detroit Lions

All-Time Record

Browns trail in series 4-14

Last Meeting

November 22, 2009: Browns lost on the road in a thrilling 38-37 battle

Detroit finished the season on an eight game losing streak, despite ranking second in the league for passing yards.

The Lions lack of running attack forced QB Matthew Stafford to throw the ball 727 times. His most dangerous target was Madden NFL video game cover boy, wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

Johnson will get his yards in any game (1,964 and five touchdowns in 2012). The important point for Cleveland is to limit the big momentum-changing plays. No. 81 averages 16.1 yards per catch and being able to keep him in check will force Detroit to rush the ball.

The Browns are much better off taking their chances with the NFL's 23rd best running game.

Brandon Weeden and company have a nasty defensive line to worry about.

Cliff Avril, currently a free agent and Ndamukong Suh combined for 17.5 sacks and 70 tackles.

Weeden getting a quick release is vital. If the slow decision making continues, then BW will find himself getting slammed to the turf all afternoon.

Prediction: WIN

In a gun slinger air war, both quarterbacks post yardage totals of over 300. The Browns thrill the home crowd courtesy of a 42-38 victory.

AWAY: Minnesota Vikings

All-Time Record

Browns trail in series 3-10

Last Meeting

September 13, 2009: Minnesota left Cleveland Browns Stadium up 34-20

One name, two words, 2,000 yards: Adrian Peterson.

The man cannot be contained and came nine yards short of the all-time single season rushing record.

Peterson carried the ball on 348 occasions and had little to no help from the 31st ranked passing game.

While Minnesota generally struggles defending the pass, bad news for the Browns is that they allowed the 11th fewest rushing yards per matchup.

An important part of stuffing ground gains comes via the nasty linebacker Chad Greenway. The seven-year pro led his club in tackles (148) as well as contributing three sacks and an interception.

This means that it could be a tough day at the office for Cleveland's feature back Trent Richardson.

QB Brandon Weeden should be able to exploit the Vikings smaller cornerbacks with his pair of large physical receivers Josh Gordon and Greg Little, at 6'3 and 6'2, respectively.

He will have to keep an eye on ball hawking safety, Harrison Smith, who returned two of his three interceptions for touchdowns in 2012.

Prediction: LOSS

The Browns shut down quarterback Christian Ponder, however, Adrian Peterson picks up the slack as usual. Vikings win in Minnesota 20-17.

HOME: Jacksonville Jaguars

All-Time Record

Browns trail in series 5-9

Last Meeting

November 20, 2011: At home, the Browns edged out Jacksonville 14-10

Jacksonville was terrible on both sides of the ball this year.

Running back Maurice Jones-Drew is the Jaguars only consistent offensive weapon and he only played in six games because of a foot injury.

Assuming MJD recovers fully from the surgery, then he can get back to his momentum-changing play that produced three prior 1000 plus-yard rushing seasons.

First round pick Justin Blackmon came on strong in the second half of 2012 as a reliable receiver. If the rookie can keep the off-field issues in check then he could become the difference maker Jacksonville was hoping for.

On the defensive side, Paul Posluszny is someone Cleveland's new coach must spend extra attention to.

The linebacker is a pass rushing and run stuffing machine. His 106 tackles, three interceptions, two sacks and pair of forced fumbles is the type of well rounded play that can turn a game around.

Prediction: WIN

The Jags have a long way to go before being considered relevant.

Below average quarterback performance and holes in nearly every position is just what the doctor ordered for Cleveland.

The Dawg Pound goes home happy after a 31-14 Browns triumph.

AWAY: Kansas City Chiefs

All-Time Record

Browns lead series 11-10-2

Last Meeting

December 9, 2012: Browns whipped the Chiefs in Cleveland 30-7

Kansas City was the worst team in the National Football League this year.

The bleak future of no legitimate quarterback and swiss cheese defense left little to look forward to. Star rusher Jamaal Charles was the only bright spot in 2012 as he rumbled to over 1500 yards.

However, one of the most successful sideline generals in league history recently signed on with the Chiefs.

Andy Reid brings 14 seasons of NFL head coaching experience from Philadelphia where he took the Eagles to four NFC title games and a Superbowl appearance.

Reid will possess full control of final personnel decisions, which strongly suggest a noticeable overhaul of this current group.

Prediction: LOSS

Coach Reid gets the benefit of the doubt here. In front of a fired up KC crowd the Chiefs surprise Cleveland by edging them 17-16.

DIVISION RIVAL: Baltimore Ravens

All-Time Record

Browns trail in series 7-21

Last Meeting

November 4, 2012: Browns lose 25-15 at home

Cleveland has not defeated Baltimore since November 18, 2007. That is about to change.

In 2013, the Browns step out of their own shadow. The Ravens of course were the former Cleveland franchise before the late Art Modell moved them to Maryland in 1996.

An aging defense and Ray Lewis' retirement point to a chance of breaking the losing streak.

That potent attack of Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith is still a dangerous threat.

The Browns had a chance on the last play of their Week 4 encounter to tie things up with a TD pass. Unfortunately, Brandon Weeden threw the ball out of bounds in the end zone.

The rematch at Cleveland Browns Stadium was much more lopsided as the visitors grinded out a 25-15 victory.

Good news for the orange and brown is they contained dynamic running back Ray Rice to under 100-yards on the ground in each of their 2012 meetings.

A formidable accomplishment against a 1143-yard rusher and something Cleveland must continue to do next season.

Wide receivers Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin always seem to burn the Browns with a huge momentum swinging drive.

Flacco will get both stars the ball, but it is a matter of eliminating the homerun play.

Prediction: SPLIT 

Let's face it, Baltimore did not win the AFC North by accident.

However, Cleveland's youth movement is on the rise and the Ravens have slipped enough to allow for a series split.

The Browns win in Ohio (17-14) and fall at MT&T Bank Stadium (24-17).

DIVISION RIVAL: Cincinnati Bengals

All-Time Record

Browns trail in series 37-42

Last Meeting

October 14, 2012: In Cleveland the Browns were victorious 34-24

The Battle of Ohio shall take place for the 80th and 81st occasion in 2013.

Last season Cincinnati made the playoffs for the first time in consecutive years since 1981 and 1982. Cleveland hopes to get one step closer to that goal by taming the Bengals.

Splitting the 2012 series, both teams were victorious at home. Strangely enough, both entertaining affairs found the winner scoring 34 points.

The Browns main man to fear is Cincinnati's high-octane receiver A.J. Green.

No. 18 has lit up the orange and brown in four career games. This past regular season Green scored a combined three touchdowns for 193-yards versus his state rival.

Isolating the South Carolina native to short completions where he can be contained is extremely important.

The Bengals pass defense quietly made its way to the seventh most effective in the NFL.

However, the Browns were successful through the air in their head-to-head encounters.

Brandon Weeden had a four-to-one touchdown to interception ratio and tossed up 553 total yards.

Prediction: SPLIT

The up beat tempo of these young offenses should create more exciting matchups.

Getting into shootouts is entertaining, but can be dangerous for Cleveland if they don't effectively restock their depleted secondary.

Each club will pick up a "W" on the road.

Browns: 35-28

Bengals: 30-27

DIVISION RIVAL: Pittsburgh Steelers

All-Time Record

Browns trail in series 57-63

Last Meeting

December 30, 2012: Steelers picked up the "W" in Pittsburgh 24-10

The Browns are 2-8 in the last 10 meetings versus their arch rivals.

2012 was a strange journey for Pittsburgh as they missed the playoffs for only the second time in the last six years.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was injured for three games, beginning in late November, and his team never recovered.

The uncomfortable philosophy clash between new offensive coordinator Todd Haley and Big Ben added to the troubles of an offense already struggling with a sub par rushing attack.

Pittsburgh's runner by committee averaged just 96.1-yards per game. Rashard Mendenhall participating in only six matches was the main factor in that.

Mendenhall is a free agent and there is no guarantee that he will return. The Steelers are in a lot of trouble on the ground right now.

Cleveland thrilled the home crowd by forcing an incredible eight turnovers and outlasting third-string QB Charlie Batch 20-14 back on November 25.

Pittsburgh grabbed a hollow 24-10 victory in the season finale as both squads were already eliminated from the postseason.

The steel curtain defense was ranked first against the pass and second in stopping the run.

Down the stretch, it didn't matter, as the Steelers folded in five of their last seven.

Prediction: SPLIT

That's right, the Browns will come up with three AFC North victories in 2013.

More importantly, Cleveland will defeat the Steelers in Pittsburgh for the first time since 2003 by a score of 26-20

The black and gold's slide to mediocrity is in full swing. However, Roethlisberger does enough to sneak out a 16-13 road win and split the series. 

2013 Season Wrap

Assuming the Browns hire the powerful and innovative head coach they are looking for, then 2013 is full of potential.

This past regular season, they were the youngest team in the NFL and have some of the best raw talent around.

However, an initial step back should be expected as the collective whole learns a new system.

A combination of growing together along with a coaching staff that can develop players shall bring Cleveland one step closer to a coveted playoff birth.

Overall Record Prediction

8-8

Follow Andy McNamara on Twitter: @AndyMc81