Overall, the Cleveland Browns had a smart, sensible draft. But the focus continues to hang over the quarterback position regarding this franchise. Namely, Deshaun Watson was unimpressive upon his NFL odds return from suspension. That flop is prompting questions about whether he could regain the form that made him a superstar in Houston. Also, the steady drumbeat of drama following Watson can cloud the fact that the Browns have an intriguing roster that makes them potential bounce-back candidates in the AFC. If Watson gets his game back, Cleveland will surprise people.
Team Overview 2023 Cleveland Browns
| Super Bowl Championship SBG Odds: | +2800 |
|---|---|
| AFC Championship SBG Odds: | +1700 |
| AFC North Division Championship SBG Odds: | +390 |
| 2023 Over/Under Win Total: | 8.5 |
2023 Cleveland Browns Schedule
- Week 1: vs. Bengals, CBS, 1 p.m. ET (Sunday, Sept. 10)
- Week 2: at Steelers (MNF), ABC, 8:15 p.m. ET (Monday, Sept. 18)
- Week 3: vs. Titans, CBS, 1 p.m. ET (Sunday, Sept. 24)
- Week 4: vs. Ravens, CBS | 1 p.m. ET (Sunday, Oct. 1)
- Week 5: BYE
- Week 6: vs. 49ers, FOX, 1 p.m. ET (Sunday, Oct. 15)
- Week 7: at Colts, CBS, 1 p.m. ET (Sunday, Oct. 22)
- Week 8: at Seahawks, FOX, 4:05 p.m. ET (Sunday, Oct. 29)
- Week 9: vs. Cardinals, CBS 1 p.m. ET (Sunday, Nov. 5)
- Week 10: at Ravens, FOX, 1 p.m. ET (Sunday, Nov. 12)
- Week 11: vs. Steelers, CBS, 1 p.m. ET (Sunday, Nov. 19)
- Week 12: at Broncos, FOX 4:05 p.m. ET (Sunday, Nov. 26)
- Week 13: at Rams, FOX 4:25 p.m. ET (Sunday, Dec. 3)
- Week 14: vs. Jaguars, CBS 1 p.m. ET (Sunday, Dec. 10)
- Week 15: vs. Bears, TBD
- Week 16: at Texans, CBS 1 p.m. ET (Sunday, Dec. 24)
- Week 17: vs. Jets (TNF), Prime Video 8:15 p.m. ET (Thursday, Dec. 28)
- Week 18: at Bengals, TBD
The Browns will be tested early. And two key AFC North sportsbook showdowns could set the tone for Cleveland. Specifically with a home opener against Cincinnati and a Monday Night Football clash at Pittsburgh in Week 2.
Following a tilt against Tennessee, the Browns face the Baltimore Ravens at home on Oct. 8. How Cleveland fares during a rugged first-month figures to go a long way in determining what ultimately happens this season.
2023 Cleveland Browns Offseason Moves
The Browns shored up their defense this offseason. Specifically, they added safety Juan Thornhill, defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, and edge Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. Additionally, they drafted Siaki Ika, who posted a 76.4 PFF pass-rushing grade and an 11.6% pass-rush win rate in 2022. Thus, Cleveland will morph their defense into a force to be reckoned with. Also, Cleveland added to its receiving corps by drafting Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman.
The Browns devoted much of this offseason to upgrading around franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson. Cleveland traded its second-round pick to the New York Jets to acquire speedy slot receiver, Elijah Moore. And then the Browns used their highest remaining pick in the draft on third-round wideout Cedric Tillman. Also, Cleveland signed veteran Marquise Goodwin in free agency. The Browns struggled to find consistency at receiver in 2022. But Watson’s receiving corps should be much deeper and more prolific in 2023.
The second iteration of the Browns was born in 1999 as an expansion team. Cleveland has a passionate fan base and has been plagued by incompetent ownership and consistent losing. Since their return to the NFL, the Browns have only two playoff appearances.