The Cleveland Browns schedule through eight weeks and seven games has been a rollercoaster, to say the least. They have not put more than two straight wins together not have had back-to-back losses, leading to a 4-3 record. With four of the first five games at home, the past two have been tough road tests going down to the last minute. The Browns went 1-1 in those close games, and three weeks ago needed a missed field goal to win the game. Most Browns fans will be satisfied with a 4-3 record, but the team is 1-2 in divisional tests with more games against familiar foes in the near future. With some of the biggest players consistently out and no real stability anywhere on offense, the next game will be as crucial as ever to get some sort of repetition. That being said, the current three-game stretch could be the deciding factor of the entire Browns schedule. A 2-1 or 3-0 record gives them playoff aspirations, while 1-2 or 0-3 means the season could be close to crashing.
The Next Three Games Could Make or Break the Cleveland Browns Season
Cleveland Browns Schedule: November 5th vs Arizona Cardinals
The next opponent on the Browns schedule is the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals sit at 1-7, good for the worst record in the entire league. With their lone win coming in week three, they have lost five straight games. The Cardinals have quarterback troubles of their own, as they traded their starter Joshua Dobbs at the trade deadline. Dobbs, a former Brown, started every game for the Cardinals and played well. However, with Kyler Murray’s return in doubt, they have just one quarterback attempt on the year from all other quarterbacks.
They have also not had their starting running back all season, and averaged just 18.9 points per game on offense. They rank 24th in total passing yards and are third in total rushing yards on the year. On the contrary, their passing defense has been respectable while the rushing defense has given up the third most rushing yards on the year.
With a new quarterback and backfield, it will be essential the Browns defensive line takes the Cardinals out of the game. If they can win the line battle on both sides, they will prevent points and let their own rushing attack control the game. This is essentially a must-win at home against the team with the worst record in the league. With a win and a 5-3 record, the Browns schedule would look even better.
November 12th at Baltimore Ravens
Out of the next three games, this is by far the most daunting. The Ravens are as hot as any team in the league and have won three straight. They handled the Browns in Cleveland 28-3 in their fourth game of the year. They have outstanding players on both sides of the ball, which could lead to a long afternoon.
While the passing games have struggled due to drops and big plays, the rushing game for the Ravens has produced the second-most yards. With arguably the best dual-threat quarterback in the NFL, you never know when that big run will come.
Day 2 of posting a Lamar Jackson passing highlight until people stop calling him a RB
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The defense has given up the sixth-least passing yards but has been susceptible to the run at times. With the Browns having different running back options, fresh legs could make the difference in the backfield and the game. The defense playing well in both phases will be the difference-maker in this one. If this game is a loss, and the Browns fall to 5-4, their second matchup with the Steelers becomes even more important.
November 19th vs Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have had a season much like the Browns, with no more than two straight wins and never more than one loss. Sitting at 4-3 as well, they are similar in structure with their defense helping them win their games and most being low-scoring. With a young quarterback who has been inaccurate and a slow running game, the offense is a lot less threatening than the Browns prior opponent. However, moving the ball and scoring points may be tough if they are not in a rhythm.
T.J. Watt's speed off the edge is incredible!
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The Steelers are near the middle of the ranks for both passing and rushing yards given up on the year but are great at forcing turnovers. With big playmakers everywhere on defense, controlling the game will be crucial at home for the Browns. With a ground-and-pound win, 6-4 sets the Browns up well with some favorable games down the stretch. The Browns schedule features games down the road that they should be favored for, but the next three games, on paper, could make or break their season. Two or more wins should be expected and needed and would provide fans a sigh of relief as the number of games dwindles down.
Main Photo: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
