BY: Andrew Edwards
The NFL schedule was released yesterday, and surprisingly enough, the Cleveland Browns were given four prime-time games for the upcoming season.
The Browns have the fewest amount of Prime-time games over the past 10 season. During that span, the franchise has accumulated an NFL-worst 41-118-1 record. However, the team finished the 2018 season by winning five out of their last seven games.
Most of this success is attributed to Baker Mayfield, who has made the Browns a household, fun-to-watch team again.
Even more so, the team has one of the best defenses in the league, ranking in the top 10 in almost every statistical category. With the acquisition of Odell Beckham Jr. from the Giants via trade this offseason, paired with Jarvis Landry on offense, you can almost assure yourself that this team is talented enough to make the playoffs.
As it stands, the Browns will play the Jets in week two on Monday Night Football. In week three they will host the Rams on Sunday Night Football. In week five they will play at the 49ers, before finally hosting the Steelers on Thursday night in week 11.
Ultimately, none of these games stand to be very easy for the Browns. The Jets and 49ers will be greatly improved and ready to make drastic changes from their 2018 campaigns. The Rams are fresh off a 15-win season and a trip to the Super Bowl, while the Steelers have absolutely owned Cleveland for the past 20 or so years.
This is the type of limelight the Browns were going to garner, whether or not they wanted it. The acquisition of Odell Beckham, perhaps the best receiver in the league, helped to solidify this claim. This season will have a heavy focus on the Browns, but the question is: Will they be able to handle the pressure?
