Through week 12 of the 2023 NFL season, the Cleveland Browns schedule has been a rollercoaster. They have had stretches of home and away games. Games have ended in one score and last-second walkoffs. It has featured disappointing losses, but beating some of the best teams in the league. With a record of 7-4 after 11 games, the Browns sit at 7-4. The Browns schedule only gets easier, especially looking at how some of their remaining opponents have played lately. With the Ravens at 9-3 and Steelers at 7-4, winning more than losing in the final stretch is crucial when looking at the Browns schedule. Their final six-game stretch features three home and three away matchups. Two of their matchups come at home in December when they host the struggling Bears and Jets. Next week’s game is against the Rams who had a big win last week but still have a losing record. Here are the three biggest games that will impact the playoff push.
The Browns Remaining Schedule is Favorable, Featuring a Few Big Time Matchups
Browns Schedule: December 10th vs Jaguars
After the date with the Rams, the Browns will return home after two road games out west. They will host the Jacksonville Jaguars, who currently lead the AFC South at 8-3. The impressive record has been due in part to their offensive weapons.
WHAT a throw from Trevor Lawrence and WHAT a catch by Calvin Ridley #NFL #HOUvsJAX pic.twitter.com/OS0avPnEmB
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhiferNFL) November 26, 2023
The stat line that sticks out in this one is their away record. The Jaguars are undefeated and 5-0 away from Florida this year. The weather in Cleveland should be frigid which could only help a Browns team that relies on defense and does not throw a lot. If the Browns can scrap their way into a win in this one, they will sit at either 9-4 or 8-5 based on the game before. This would bode well with another home game against the Bears looming.
December 24th at Texans
The Browns schedule this year features a Christmas eve date with the Houston Texans. Another AFC South team that has impressed, they sit at 6-5 with a rookie quarterback. They are a great team at home going 4-2.
This throw from CJ Stroud traveled 70 yards in the air. pic.twitter.com/MoWB2hPm72
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) November 27, 2023
Like the Jaguars they have a great offense that does not usually play in cold weather, but have a defense that you can move the ball on. Preventing the big plays and not going down too big early is crucial for the Browns. With the Jaguars having a two-game lead on the Texans and Indianapolis Colts, the Browns could end up fighting with the Texans for a wildcard spot. Winning this game is a plus one in the win column, but even bigger may be a loss for the Texans. This also features an easier opponent the following week when the Browns host the Jets, making this one a season-changing victory if possible.
January 7th vs Bengals
A divisional matchup the last week of the season will always have implications. With the Bengals trending downward due to injuries and a tough schedule, they will look to play spoiler in the last game of the Browns schedule. The Bengals are currently last in the division at 5-6. They have not been great on offense due to injuries and consistency issues. The defense has given up the most in the division leading to a -30 plus/minus. They are on a three-game losing streak and may just be conservative depending on the record at the time of this game.
The Browns will ideally go 3-2 or better before this game, which would have them sitting at 10-6 going into Cincinnati. A win or loss may not matter when talking about making the playoffs but will make a difference in seeding for multiple teams. A win would have the Browns sitting with a 4-2 divisional record which will also be important in the tight AFC North race. Every game is important, but these three will likely alter the Browns season and playoff aspirations.
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