A Christmas Eve Matchup Might Be Most Crucial on Browns Schedule
The Cleveland Browns have dealt with adversity and injuries all year. Through it all they have remained calm, and are sitting at second in the AFC North at 8-5. The Browns schedule has had six matchups with teams over .500 currently. Some of those have turned into wins, and tied for the third-best record in the AFC.
The final four-game stretch will be as crucial as ever when looking at the Browns schedule. Two road tests and two home games make it feel like the norm. All four opponents are at least 5-8 with none being better than 7-5. Two of the teams are 5-8 home games, the other two being 7-6 games on the road.
With all four being important, the Browns will want to secure two of them at minimum. If they can steal a road game and finish the season 11-6, they will secure at least a high wildcard spot. The current 5th seed has everything in front of them. However, this game may be the biggest.
Christmas Eve Matchup
With two more favorable matchups coming at home, the most important game on the Browns’ schedule may come in week 16. The Browns travel to Houston to face the 7-6 Texans on December 24th. Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud suffered a concussion last game, and his status for the next two weeks is yet to be determined.
HOW does CJ Stroud make this throw? @FreddieandHD @ColemanESPN @ESPNRadio pic.twitter.com/pgFS9ZFvYo
— Harry Douglas (@HDouglas83) December 5, 2023
The Texans are battling for the AFC South title or a wildcard spot themselves. They also have a very winnable game next week, so both teams could be hot heading into the matchup. Stroud’s availability will be a factor, and injuries to their top two receivers make it an easier matchup for the Browns’ defense. If they can build an early lead, it could bode very well.
Every road game on the browns schedule is its own task though, and the Browns are 2-4 on the road thus far. Their 6-1 home record shows a true home-field advantage. Another reason why a win against the Texans could put them in great shape for their final two contests. Based on the results, the final week could be a rest for the team or a do-or-die atmosphere.
The End of the Browns Schedule
After home games versus two teams with losing records in the Bears and Jets, the Browns will focus on their divisional rival to end the year. After hopefully a 2-1 or 3-0 stretch, the Browns will kick off the final week of the year at the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are currently 7-6 but can easily win at least two of their three games before welcoming Cleveland.
Another team that has suffered season-ending injuries, this game will be a play-it-by-ear contest. One or both teams may know their fate, and because of that could have some roster decisions. However, it will likely matter as much as any game all year on the Browns’ schedule.
Retweet this interception to send Martin Emerson Jr. to the Pro Bowl. #ProBowlVote #DawgPound @MartyMargg1 pic.twitter.com/2foQIKRH7v
— BIGPLAY (@BIGPLAY) December 10, 2023
Assuming the Browns go 2-1 in their next three, a win against the Bengals would put them at 11-6 on the year. This would be a great record and spot to be in ahead of the playoffs. A loss would put them at 10-7, still good enough to squeeze into the postseason. However, the race is so tight in the AFC, so a win in southwest Ohio could be what is needed for the team as they have playoff and Superbowl aspirations.
Main Photo: [Ken Blaze] -USA Today Sports
