Cleveland Browns
2007 Record: 10-6
ATS: 12-4
Super Bowl Odds: 30-1
Ten victories usually gets you into the playoffs, but tiebreakers conspired to keep the Browns on the sidelines last year when the postseason got underway. However, the surprising Brows (they were a very lucrative 12-4 against the spread) made great strides in 2007, and they’ll be looking to take control of the AFC North division this season. The poster child for Cleveland’s resurgence last season was QB Derek Anderson, who was expected to give way to hotshot rookie Brady Quinn as the Browns continued their rebuilding process. However, Anderson kept leading the teams to wins, and Quinn was relegated to clipboard duties for the entire season.
Anderson tossed 29 TD passes in 2007 and threw for over 3700 yards – numbers that compelled the team to sign him to a new deal in the offseason. Still, with Quinn waiting in the wings Anderson will have to avoid a regression if he wants to keep his job. The Browns are also supplying their QBs with 2 talented weapons down the field – wide receiver Braylon Edwards & tight end Kellen Winslow. Cleveland also got a bounce-back year from veteran RB Jamal Lewis in 2007 (9 TDs, 1300 yards), thanks in part to a vastly improved offensive line. With Donte’ Stallworth added to the receiving corps Cleveland should have no trouble putting up points again, so it will be up to the defense to boost the team to contender status.
The Browns’ defense was spotty at best last year, so new defensive coordinator Mel Tucker will need to get that unit in better shape for 2008. Cleveland added tackles Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams in the offseason, but parted ways with CB Leigh Bodden. The Browns won’t be able to surprise opponents this season, so they’ll need to get their victories through hard work.
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