Cleveland Browns: Who are the 2018 opponents and how many wins are possible?

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 01: The NFL shield logo is seen following a press conference held by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (not pictured) at the George R. Brown Convention Center on February 1, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 01: The NFL shield logo is seen following a press conference held by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (not pictured) at the George R. Brown Convention Center on February 1, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /
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Now that the 2017 Cleveland Browns’ season is over, here’s a look at their schedule in 2018.

After a 0-16 season, the Cleveland Browns‘ fanbase needs to take a breather. The same cannot be said for the franchise itself as they have plenty of work to do.

No, the 2018 season will not see Cleveland go from a winless team to one that plays in the playoffs. However, there is no reason not to assume at least a few wins will happen. I know it’s hard to envision right now given all that has transpired this season but it’s possible.

First things first though: The Browns need to get the monkey off their back and win just one game.

On Monday, Cleveland announced their opponents for the 2018 season.

Outside of the six AFC North games, Cleveland will also have to face the AFC West division, NFC South division, Houston Texans, and the New York Jets. Of those opponents, five of them will be playing in the upcoming playoffs: Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints.

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The 2017 schedule was tough but looking ahead to next season’s, the Browns may have a harder time of getting wins. Of course, an offseason full of roster moves through free agency and the draft will help (especially at quarterback since it’s anyone’s guess who starts week one right now). On the other hand, those aspects can only help so much and it will be up to the players’ experiences they have gained to take their play to another level.

With the rosters the ways they currently are, how many wins could the Browns finish with next season? The keyword is could and the good news is more than one. The bad news though is that it won’t be more than that.

Again, Cleveland’s first piece of business is getting that first regular season win. That said, if the Jets play like the way they did this season, in 2018, then there will be zero home wins as of now.

The road games are a different scenario. Games at Houston, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Denver Broncos all should be Ws. Anything more would be icing on the cake.

I don’t know about you but winning at worst three games is something I’d take instantly. I mean just look at what we have seen the last two seasons.

It is easier said than done in terms of what Cleveland’s record should be. Until they can win a game it is hard to imagine such an improvement. Trust me, I have my reservations too but with John Dorsey in charge of the front office, I have confidence.

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In time Dorsey should improve the team significantly. It is more ownership and coaching that causes hesitation with the previously mentioned reservations.