2013 Season Predictions: Cleveland Browns 9-7

Oct 14, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson (33) during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Cleveland won 34-24. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

2013 Browns NFL Season

Sept 8th – Miami Dolphins – Win – The game will be close, and we reviewed our expectations here, but the Browns pull out a close one in the battle of 2nd year QBs and solid defenses.

Sept 15th – Baltimore Ravens – Loss – After getting manhandled in the second half against the Broncos the Ravens will be chomping at the bit in their home opener. The game will be closer then expected but a Ravens win by at least 7.

Sept. 22nd – Minnesota Vikings – Win – The Vikings will run Adrian Peterson into the ground at some point. The Browns much improved defense “contains” AD to 125 yards but creates turnovers of QB Christian Ponder. Weeden will take advantage of a young Vikings secondary especially with the return of Josh Gordon.

Sept 29th – Cincinnati Bengals – Loss – The Bengals have a great defense and enough talent on offense with AJ Green to take control of this game, and the AFC North.

Oct 3rd – Buffalo Bills – Win – The Bills rookie QB EJ Manual will have a month under his belt, as long as he can stay healthy, before his game with the Browns. This also means DC Ray Horton will have a month of tape on him. Expect the exotic blitz packages to create turnovers and the Browns’ to open up their passing game.

Oct 13th – Detroit Lions – Win – A tough game for both teams. Expect a key injury to impact this game one way or the other. Reggie Bush, Calvin Johnson or Trent Richardson could miss this game and swing the momentum. Based on their recent history I expect it to be one of the Lions players.

Oct. 20th – Green Bay Packers – Loss – The Browns can’t keep up with the Packers offense and by doing so Weeden has his worst game of the year. Injury to Aaron Rodgers may be the only hope that the Browns have.

Oct 27th – Kansas City Chiefs – Win – The Chiefs are transitioning as well to a new coach. This will be a low scoring affair that is pulled out by the Browns due to a Chiefs miscue. A 17-13 game should be expected here.

Nov 3rd – Ravens – Win – Based on the losses to the Ravens this offseason I expect the Browns to split the series this year with this rival. The Ravens, based on their opener, will win the first game and the Browns will take this one later in the season.

Nov 10th – BYE WEEK – Browns should win.

Nov 17th – Bengals – Loss – We expect the Bengals to win the division and to be tough all year. With the depth in the front 7 even injuries shouldn’t impact the outcome. There is a chance the Browns could split with the Bengals but it is unlikely.

Nov 24th – Pittsburgh Steelers – Win – The Steelers later in the season is a positive as the aging team should be struggling with injuries, the yearly one their star FS is probable. This is the one matchup in the AFC North that the Browns could sweep but we will not be predicted.

Dec 1st – Jacksonville Jaguars – Win – The Jaguars have hit the reset except they didn’t bring in a new QB and have MJD to run the ball. The Browns stout D and coming together offense takes this one from the Jags.

Dec 8th – New England Patriots – Loss – Tom Brady picks apart the cornerbacks, outside of Joe Haden, and Rob Gronkowski is healthy and playing well. The Browns have to air it out to keep it close, and unlike against the Packers, and they are somewhat successful and lose by a touchdown.

Dec 15th – Chicago Bears – Loss – The Tressman – Jay Cutler relationship may be humming or falling apart. A tough fought game played in December that turns on a Charles Tillman interception of Brandon Weeden.

Dec 22nd – New York Jets – Win – The Jets may be one of the worst teams in the league. Rex Ryan may be fired by this point in time of the year and the Browns walk to their easiest win of the season.

Dec 29th – Steelers – Loss – In a game that has more riding on it then most expected the Steelers’ pride kicks in and the Browns fall to their rival after a big game by Big Ben.

Overall Record Prediction – 9-7 – Each game was judged on its own merit not with thinking of the Browns overall record. In as much it is a surprising prediction but hopefully one the team can pull off with some easy games on their schedule this year. If a record like this comes to pass expect Weeden to be the starting QB for another year.