NFL 2011 Schedule: Why December's Games Mean the Most for the Cleveland Browns

After taking a look at Cleveland's 2011 schedule, one might notice that the Browns play the Steelers and Ravens each twice in the final five games. If the Browns can go 2-2 against both Baltimore and Pittsburgh in the final weeks, a playoff birth might be in sight.

A December 4th matchup against the Ravens marks the beginning of a brutal stretch for the Browns. Cleveland will be at home, in freezing weather, against a hard-nosed defense who will be looking to stop the running game. If the Browns can be somewhat effective on the ground, and exploit a weak secondary with timely passing, they've got a chance. Keep in mind though, just four days later, the Browns will be in Pittsburgh for a highly-anticipated Thursday night game.

On December 8th, the Browns will try to repeat a stunning 2009 performance against the Steelers on Thursday Night Football. In the 17-6 win, Cleveland used multiple running packages designed for Josh Cribbs (8 carries, 87 yards), and used Brady Quinn sparingly.

In 2011, Cleveland might have better luck with a smarter and more accurate Colt McCoy, coupled with the bruiser Peyton Hillis. In this game, the Browns have to body Mike Wallace using Joe Haden, and stuff the box with the anticipated defensive linemen from the draft. The Browns will get a break the following week against Arizona, but the Ravens will be back.

On Christmas Eve, a win for the Browns against the Ravens would be the best gift a Cleveland fan could ask for. By December 24th, the Browns might be looking at a playoff spot pending any previous success in the month. It's "do or die" for both teams in Week 16, and even if the Browns aren't contending for the postseason, why not spoil Baltimore's chances? Cleveland never beat Baltimore last season, so you can bet the Orange and Brown will be seeking revenge.

Week 17 is again a time for revenge against Pittsburgh. The Browns lost 41-9 in a shellacking last year. Again, this game might have playoff implications for both teams, which makes it so much more intriguing. Heinz Field will likely be a blizzard, and the Browns will be looking to keep the Terrible Towels from waving. It's this game that every Browns fan lives for, so get ready!

With the Browns having a relatively easier schedule in Weeks 3-12, divisional success will be critical. Pat Shurmur can make his mark in Cleveland with a first-year playoff run.