The Cleveland Browns head into the 2024 NFL season with a mixture of optimism and urgency. The team is coming off an 11-6 season in 2023; a season marked by significant injuries that ultimately resulted in a first-round playoff loss to the Houston Texans. With key players returning and new challenges ahead, the Browns face a pivotal year in their quest for success.
One of the central figures in the Browns' narrative is quarterback Deshaun Watson. Acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Texans in 2021, Watson came to Cleveland at a hefty price. The Browns sent three years of first-round picks (2022, 2023, 2024), a third-round pick (2023), and two fourth-round picks (2022 and 2024) to Houston. Despite the high expectations (accompanied by controversy), Watson has only played in 12 games for the Browns due to a combination of suspension and injuries. His 2023 season was cut short in Week 10 after suffering a displaced fracture in his throwing shoulder, requiring surgery. Entering 2024, the pressure is on Watson to stay healthy and deliver consistent performances. For Watson, it's a now-or-never scenario as the Browns' success hinges on his ability to lead the offense effectively.
Adding to the Browns' uncertainties is the situation in their backfield. Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb sustained a severe ACL and MCL tear in Week 2 of last season, casting a long shadow over the team's rushing attack. Although reports suggest that Chubb is ahead of schedule in his recovery, a return before mid-season seems unlikely, and even then, he is expected to be on a limited snap count. This scenario leaves Jerome Ford with the primary responsibility of carrying the ground game in Chubb's absence. The Browns, known for their run-heavy offense, ranked fourth in rushing attempts last season. While many anticipated that the Browns might draft a running back in the later rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, that did not happen. Browns fans can hope for an early return from Chubb, but it looks like Jerome Ford will be the RB1 in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys. My biggest concern with Ford is that he wasn't super efficient last year and back-up running back D'Onta Foreman (if he's not completely washed) has the potential to steal redzone and short yardage opportunities.
The Browns' wide receiver room also faces some challenges. Amari Cooper is coming off a solid season with 72 receptions, 1,250 yards, and 5 touchdowns despite the team having five different starting quarterbacks last season. In an effort to bolster their receiving corps, the Browns traded for Jerry Jeudy in the offseason. Jeudy, known for his precise route running, hopes to re-establish himself in a new environment. Additionally, fourth-year wide receiver Elijah Moore is expected to round out the receiver corps, providing depth and versatility.
Tight end David Njoku was a bright spot in the Browns' offense last season. Njoku was the TE5 on the season (PPR) and produced TE1 finishes in 8 of the last 10 regular season games. However, most of this production came with veteran Joe Flacco (now with the Indianapolis Colts) at QB. Njoku will need to establish that same chemistry with Watson to be considered a low-end TE1 for 2024.
The Browns' defense should be a strong point. Cleveland ranked first in yards allowed, generated the fifth-most turnovers in the league, and finished second in defense-value over adjusted average. The Browns also racked up the sixth-most sacks in football in what was a fantastic year for this ascending group. They're going into 2024 as a Top 5 defense in the NFL.
The Browns play in one of the toughest divisions in football. Outside of their AFC North division games, they notably host the Cowboys, Chiefs, and Dolphins and have to go on the road against the Eagles. It's going to be a tough road for the Browns to repeat their return to the playoffs this year. All eyes will be on fifth-year Head Coach Kevin Stefanski as he hopes to lead this team to another successful season.
#LetsBeFranks predicts a 10-7 season for the Browns in the tough AFC North
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