During July, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be analyzing the schedules of every team in the NFL and ranking each game in order of difficulty (with one being the most difficult). This series will be split up into the eight most difficult games (ranked 1-8) and the eight easiest games (ranked 9-16) for each team. In this article, the Cleveland Browns easiest games are the focus.
Here is a look at the Browns most difficult games.
Cleveland Browns Easiest Games in 2017
9. Week 8 vs. Vikings
Funny enough, this game’s placement on the list is a microcosm of how fans seem to view it. First off, the Minnesota Vikings finished a middle of the road 8-8 last season. Secondly, this game is taking place on a neutral field in London. Everything points to this being one of the most neutral, middling games of the season. The Browns have a chance though. Even though this one is on a neutral field, the Browns have a huge following in England.
10. Week 12 at Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals just aren’t the team that they used to be. Now, is this the Browns easiest game for 2017? Well, no, not even close. The Bengals still have Andy Dalton, Giovani Bernard, and new speedster, John Ross. However, their offensive line is nearly totally depleted (ranked 31st in the NFL). Without the strong offensive line of the past, the Bengals might let Myles Garrett and Emmanuel Ogbah get some good reps in.
11. Week 11 vs. Jaguars
The Jaguars are just so weird. Last year, they came into the season with a tremendous amount of hype and they hilariously underperformed. But maybe, just maybe, Blake Bortles can be fixed? Perhaps this new coaching staff just gets to him. If not, the Jags still have that stifling defense. However, if Bortles and company can’t put points on the board, the Browns might have a good chance at this one.
12. Week 4 vs. Bengals
Here are the Bengals again. This time, it’s Week four and the Browns are home in the friendly confines of FirstEnergy Stadium. Again, that offensive line will undoubtedly be a problem for the Bengals. For the Browns though, that should let them kick the door down at home and really challenge the Bengals.
13. Week 13 at Chargers
Oh, the Los Angeles Chargers must be angry with the Browns right now. After all, they were the only team to lose to the Cleveland Browns last season. However, will anger alone be enough? The Chargers do have Philip Rivers, but how much more does he have to give? Additionally, seventh-overall pick Mike Williams is likely out for the season. Can the Browns take down the Chargers two years in a row? Well, they’ve got a shot at it in week 13.
14. Week 10 at Lions
True, the Detroit Lions were a playoff team last year! How could the Browns have a relatively easy time with a playoff team? Well, in addition to being a playoff team last year, the Lions were also despicably lucky. They really didn’t beat anybody worth beating in 2016, and often got a perfect storm when it came to game-winning drives. This luck finally ran out when the Seahawks manhandled them in the playoffs. If the Lions manage to get another stroke of luck for the entirety of 2017, this game might be a different story. But assuming the Lions aren’t that lucky again, the Browns have a real shot at this one.
15. Week 16 at Bears
During the 2017 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears seemed a bit clueless for the first round. While they could’ve let Mitchell Trubisky fall into their lap, they chose to “trade the farm” for his services. Unless Trubisky is fantastic in training camp and throughout his whole rookie season, this is one game that Browns fans can feel very confident in. This Bears rebuild is odd, to say the least. In truth, the Browns should be able to secure a win here. But in terms of the Browns easiest games, this one doesn’t take the cake just yet. There is one more game on the Browns schedule.
16. Week 5 vs. Jets
The New York Jets are in a BAD way. With a roster basically devoid of any and all talent (save for maybe the defensive line), the Jets are in full rebuild mode. Are the New York Jets tanking? Maybe, maybe not. But are the Jets the worst team in the league? Absolutely. On a list of the Browns easiest games in 2017, this one wins by a very wide margin. This list may or may not be the only thing the New York Jets “win” this season.
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