Browns 2021 Season Preview
Looking for 2021 Cleveland Browns Predictions? The Browns might be the buzziest team in the NFL. Not the best, but they are getting closer and getting a lot of attention.
I am sure they would rather fall under the radar but that is hardly the way this team is put together. QB Baker Mayfield is a lightning rod. He still has to be better though if this group is going to get to the next level.
Even with all the hype, you have to remember that the Browns play in a tough division and there are no guarantees in the NFL. Just look at what is happening in Indianapolis right now and that team is thought to be more complete. Just enjoy the ride Browns fans.
NFL Browns Predictions & Handicapping Insight
2021/22 NFL Team Predictions – Cleveland Browns
- Browns 2021 Win Total NFL Odds: 10.5 (Over 120/Under +100)
- Cleveland Browns AFC North Odds: +150
- Cleveland Browns AFC Championship Odds: +750
- Cleveland Browns 2022 Super Bowl Odds: +1600
Key Additions:
- DE Jadeveon Clowney
- CB Troy Hill
- S John Johnson III
Improving the defense was the goal this offseason. Jadeveon Clowney will never fully deliver on his talent but he is a presence for sure.
Hill immediately becomes the starter at CB and forms a nice duo with Denzel Ward.
Ditto for Johnson III at safety with Ronnie Harrison Jr. Hill and Johnson were both from the Rams so they know winning defense.
Key Losses:
- DT Larry Ogunjobi
- CB Terrance Mitchell
- LB BJ Goodson
Cleveland was looking to upgrade on defense this offseason so they are not that sorry to see any of these players in other uniforms this season.
Ogunjobi and Mitchell were just stopgaps, solid NFL players but not stars.
Goodson led the team in tackles a year ago. The addition of Anthony Walker from Indianapolis (not mentioned above) hardly seems like a downgrade.
2021 Cleveland Browns Predictions: Offseason Analysis
Last year it was the offense that got the upgrades and this offseason it was definitely defense.
In addition to the players mentioned above the Browns used their top two draft picks on defense, getting Greg Newsome II and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Both are expected to play a lot and are elite athletes who can make a difference.
The offense is not perfect but as long as they are healthy this team should move the ball. They have one of the best offensive lines, which enabled them to protect Mayfield and have the third-best rushing attack in the NFL, featuring Nick Chubb and Kareen Hunt. Chubb is one of the best closers in the game.
For this offense to be special they have to find a way to keep Odell Beckham healthy. I know there are metrics showing that his impact was not great before getting hurt but they need his big-play ability, especially in the big games they want to win.
Last season the Browns were in the lower half on defense. Myles Garrett is one of the best defensive ends in football and had 12 sacks. They are hoping that Jadeveon Clowney on the other side will create even more opportunities.
Everything is in place for the Browns to build on last year’s success. They have to figure out a way to beat the really good teams. Baltimore beat them twice in the regular season. How they do against the Raves might determine whether they win the AFC North or not.
2021 Cleveland Browns Win Total Prediction:
At first, I was surprised to see this high total because is the Browns. I actually kind of like the over though.
Cleveland has a tough test opening the season at Kansas City. After that, the schedule really opens up and they are likely to be favored in every other game through September and October.
The final eight games are where the schedule stiffens including back-to-back games against Baltimore with their bye week in between. Trips to New England and Green Bay could be losses for sure.
I do think they could be 8-1 before that backstretch though with homes games still to come against Detroit, Las Vegas, and Cincinnati. That is how they would get to 11 (though that Bengals game is the last week of the season).
I give them a great chance in all of their games, especially those tougher road tilts because of their ability to play field position football and lean on the ground game.
Despite all the hype, an over does not seem to be too far-fetched. If you are down on the Steelers this season it looks probable.
CappersPicks.com has NFL Futures Odds up on a ton of 2021 Super Bowl futures, and you will also find DAILY NFL Football lines up as well.
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