The 2007-08 Browns: Eight-Game Winners
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by user I am a cpcp
Now that I've rededicated myself to the Cleveland Browns, it's time for my yearly look at the Browns schedule to predict how many games they'll win this season. Last year (before I joined the chair so I don't have a link) I predicted the Browns would be 9-7. Obviously, looking at their 4-12 result, I'm pretty awesome at this.
September 8 - Pittsburgh - Win
I think the Browns can open up with a win at home against the rival Steelers. The Black and Yellow haven't done a lot to get better this offseason and I think the Browns defense will be able to shut them down enough to get the job done in a close victory. (1-0)
September 16 - Cincinnati - Win
I think Cincinnati will be decent this year, but only on offense. With Jamal Lewis, the Browns will be able to run over the Bengals defense the way the Ravens ran over the Browns with Lewis. The Browns start the season off right with their second straight win. Before heading out on the road. (2-0)
September 23 - @ Oakland - Win
It seems weird to be predicting the Browns to win their first three games, but Oakland will be struggling as much as last year plus the added woes of a rookie quarterback. Oakland will be struggling to win any games this year and they certainly won't be doing so early in the season. (3-0)
September 20 - Baltimore - Loss
Things will get quite real quite fast for the Browns leaving Oakland and meeting the Ravens back in Cleveland. The Ravens are a the top of the likely Super Bowl winner list and their defense will likely shut out the Browns. (3-1)
October 7 - @ Patriots - Loss
Things will continue to go downhill for the Browns at this point in the season. They're not at the point where they can challenge the Pats at home. It could be an ugly game. (3-2)
October 14 - Miami - Win
This will be a very important game for the Browns. The last game before their bye week, and already their 4th home game of the season, if the Browns have a couple more losses than I'm predicting, this could decide if Brady Quinn takes over the starting role after the bye. I think the Browns can take the Dolphins, though. (4-2)
October 21 - Bye
October 28 - @ St. Louis - Loss
This one could go either way, but some toss up games have to go the way I wouldn't like them to, so I'll give the Rams this one. (4-3)
November 4 - Seattle - Loss
In the midst of a stretch of playing six of their last 10 games away, this precious home game will be a wasted effort and the Browns will see their strong start gone. (4-4)
November 11 - @ Pittsburgh - Loss
The Steelers will be ready for revenge from their earlier loss and will defend Heinz field successfully. (4-5)
November 18 - @ Baltimore - Loss
This is a rotten time to have an away game in Baltimore. There's no way the Browns can win this game and this is when (if it hasn't happened already) the Browns will really start thinking about playing Quinn. (4-6)
November 25 - Houston -Win
I'd like to think that no matter who is starting at quarterback for the Browns they can beat Houston in Cleveland. If the Browns offense is playing well at this point (in other words, if they haven't given up hope and started Quinn) this will start an important stretch for them. (5-6)
December 2 - @ Arizona - Win
The Cardinals still have a nice new stadium, but they still don't have a nice new team. Depending on how well Leinart is playing this one could be close, but I think the Browns will squeak it out and get back to even. (6-6)
December 9 - @ New York Jets - Win
The Browns and Jets is always a hard game to predict, especially this late in the season. I'll give the edge to the Jets this year, because, well, I want to and I think the Browns could pull it out. (7-6)
December 16 - Buffalo - Win
Like Houston, I'd like to think the Browns could beat the Bills at home no matter the situation. (7-7)
December 23 - @ Cincinnati - Loss
After surprising the Bengals earlier in the season, Cincinnati will be ready for the Browns this late in the season and they'll split the season series. (7-8)
December 30 - San Francisco - Win
The 49ers have spent a lot of money, but you can't buy wins. The new pieces will have had time to gel by week 17, but I still think they'll be too inconsistent and the Browns can end the season the way they started it, with a win at Cleveland Brown stadium. (8-8)
So judging by these predictions, the Browns would end up at .500 and possibly make the playoffs. Of course, how accurate this is depends on a lot of factors. Will they have another three centers injured in training camp? Will they start Quinn too early in his career (meaning ever)? If things are different than every other year and luck actually fall in the Browns' favor I think this 8-8 can become a reality.
