Jimmy Haslam proclaimed he’d take the over.
He may be right. I just don’t share the Browns owner’s confidence.
Haslam’s public prediction that the Browns will surpass the oddsmakers’ over/under of 5.5 wins makes sense for plenty of reasons.
The offensive line is younger and should be more durable than the group in the previous couple of years. The receiving corps got a significant upgrade with rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. The stellar 2025 rookie class should be better in Year 2. The schedule is the league’s easiest.
The Browns won five games last year with brutal quarterback play and a weaker roster. Todd Monken could be an improvement at coach, but it’s too early to tell.
If only it were that simple.
Deshaun Watson was installed as the starting quarterback and hasn’t been great — during training camp, the preseason, or the previous three seasons he played with the Browns.
He’s been injured often and inconsistent when he has been on the field. He’s five years removed from his last good season.
Watson, who might be the most hated player in Cleveland sports history, won’t get long to prove himself. The clock is already ticking, with Weeks 3 and 5 potential pivot points for a change to Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders as the starter would bring hope for many fans but come with no guarantees. Monken deemed Watson better equipped to run the operation, score points and win in Jacksonville in Week 1. Sanders is a playmaker and not afraid to stretch the field but must continue to improve in the huddle and with decision-making at the line of scrimmage.
Without a big-time quarterback it’s nearly impossible to win consistently in the NFL.
The Browns have other issues.
Myles Garrett, the NFL’s sack king and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, was traded to the Rams. Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator resigned. Depth is a concern at cornerback, defensive end, defensive tackle and tight end.
Whoever set the over/under knows what they’re doing. It’s not an easy call.
The start is difficult with two straight games in Florida. They’re listed as underdogs in 15 of 17 games.
I’ll take six wins.
Maybe.
PETRAK’S PICKS
AFC NORTH: Ravens
AFC EAST: Bills
AFC SOUTH: Texans
AFC WEST: Chargers
AFC WILD CARDS: Chiefs, Broncos, Colts
AFC CHAMPION: Bills
NFC NORTH: Lions
NFC EAST: Cowboys
NFC SOUTH: Saints
NFC WEST: Rams
NFC WILD CARDS: Packers, Seahawks, 49ers
NFC CHAMPION: Rams
SUPER BOWL CHAMPION: Rams
MVP: Lamar Jackson, Ravens
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: James Cook, Bills
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Myles Garrett, Rams
OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Jadarian Price, Seahawks
DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Caleb Downs, Cowboys
COACH OF THE YEAR: Jesse Minter, Ravens
