It has been mentioned that this Cleveland Browns roster is just a few pieces away from being a playoff contender.
Apparently, those media folks haven’t seen any actual games. “On paper” isn’t a reality.
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Browns fans know all too well what is happening. Consecutive double-digit loss seasons don’t lie. This team is bad in so many departments. There will be plenty of fixes coming out of free agency and next April’s NFL draft, but it won’t fix all the issues.
Quarterback remains a mess. Shedeur Sanders tosses three TDs one week and then a trio of interceptions the next game. Special teams haven’t been special all year. The offensive line is a seven-time Pro Bowler and four other guys who never thought they would start all year. The run game is a roller coaster. The receiver group is horrible, and the defense has finally given up, apparently.
Can the Browns end up with the first overall pick in next April’s NFL draft? Where do they sit now?
If the season were to end today, here are the standings from the bottom upwards:
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#32, Pick #1
New York Football Giants 2-12-0
Last five games: 0-5. Last game: Lost Commanders 29-21
Winnable opponents remaining: Vikings, Raiders, Cowboys
Ranking last week: 32 (unchanged)
Strength of Schedule remaining: .345
#31, Pick #2
Las Vegas Raiders 2-12-0
Last five games: 0-5. Last game: Lost Eagles 31-0
Winnable opponents remaining: Giants
Ranking last week: 31 (unchanged)
Strength of Schedule remaining: .405
#30, Pick #3
Tennessee Titans 2-12-0
Last five games: 1-4. Last game: Lost 49ers 37-24
Winnable opponents remaining: Saints, maybe Chiefs
Ranking last week: 30 (unchanged)
Strength of Schedule remaining: .476
#29, Pick #4
Cleveland Browns 3-11-0
Last five games: 1-4. Last game: Lost Bears 31-3
Winnable opponents remaining: Bengals, maybe Steelers
Ranking last week: 28 (up 1)
Strength of Schedule remaining: .512
#28, Pick #5
New York Jets 3-11-0
Last five games: 3-2. Last game: Beat Falcons 27-24
Winnable opponents remaining: Dolphins, Saints, maybe Jaguars
Ranking last week: 26 (up 2)
Strength of Schedule remaining: .595
#27, Pick #6
Arizona Cardinals 3-11-0
Last five games: 0-5. Last game: Lost Texans 40-20
Winnable opponents remaining: Falcons, Bengals
Ranking last week: 25 (up 2)
Strength of Schedule remaining: .476
#26, Pick #7
New Orleans Saints 4-10-0
Last five games: 3-2. Last game: Beat Panthers 20-17
Winnable opponents remaining: Jets, Titans, Falcons
Ranking last week: 28 (down 2)
Strength of Schedule remaining: .238 (easiest)
#25, Pick #8
Washington Commanders 4-10-0
Strength of Schedule remaining: .238 (easiest)
Last five games: 1-4. Last game: Beat Giants 29-21
Winnable opponents remaining: Cowboys
Ranking last week: 27 (down 2)
Strength of Schedule remaining: .583
