2011 NFL Predictions: The Cleveland Browns Have Hope of Contending in AFC North

A fellow Bleacher Report correspondent commented on one of my recent articles about the AFC North, and reminded me of the bleak mindset of Cleveland Browns' fans.

He wrote, "It's the Cleveland way. Every year, we're always two years away."

Two years doesn't seem like much to sacrifice for a team that is in the rebuilding phase. However, for fans of a city that has not seen a championship since 1964, two years will drive the nail deeper in an already painful wound.

But there is hope that deserves focus. Team President Mike Holmgren has helped the Cleveland Browns take major strides since his tenure began in 2010. As a result, evidence of a credible core of players emerged on a team that has rarely had much to look forward to.

Colt McCoy's development is progressing quite nicely, and at a rate that few could anticipate. In his most recent preseason outing, he showed that progression by going 10-of-18 for 96 yards and three touchdowns. Sure, it's just preseason, but it's far beyond what he accomplished in August of last year.

McCoy projects to be more of a game manager than a franchise-saver, but his promise allows faith to be placed in the Browns' scouting department. Young pieces like Joe Haden, T.J. Ward, Phil Taylor, Jabaal Sheard and Greg Little all have major upside as well.

Let's also not forget about the steal of a trade that sent Brady Quinn to the Denver Broncos in exchange for Peyton Hillis, a sixth-round draft pick in 2011 and a conditional pick in 2012.

But perhaps the most promising move of recent memory occurred in the very early stages of the 2011 draft.

The Browns dealt their sixth overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons for five draft picks, including a first and fourth round selection in 2012. Despite immense pressure to bring the Dawg Pound out of the dog house, the front office remains patiently committed to rebuilding the right way. There are no shortcuts.

This will take lots of time, but the timing could be perfect.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens are never going away, but both franchises near intriguing crossroads. The stars of their defenses aren't getting any younger and could make for a rare window of opportunity for a young Browns' team on the rise.

For now though, Cleveland will expect to face difficult times in what will be a transitional period. A new head coach in Pat Shurmur and the switch to a 4-3 defensive scheme will make for many growing pains in the short-term.

But before pessimism completely sets in, I'll make a bold claim. The Browns could contend for the AFC North crown this season, despite their glaring weaknesses.

The first eight opponents of the season are the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers.

While none of these games are shoe-ins by any means, seven of them are certainly winnable. The one exception is the game against the Colts in Week 2, but after the Browns defeated the Saints and Patriots last season, I'm reluctant to make that point unequivocally. There's no telling what a hot start for a young team could accomplish.

Now, before I'm told that this is all a pipe-dream, I'll bring-up the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of 2010. They had just as many question marks about their team, but had an easy schedule despite a division that included the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints. They didn't win the NFC South, but they certainly contended.

I'm not saying the Browns will achieve that success—just that it is possible. Possibility is a long—forgotten word in Cleveland's culture.

In the meantime, Browns fans have plenty of reason to be excited for their team. While a division title or a playoff spot is unlikely in 2011, hope remains on the horizon. It could be a painful season, but painful with the purpose of a greater good.

At the very least, it's a distraction from basketball.