Yeah, I'm going there. The bulk of the FA activity is over so, we should have a reasonable picture of the 2013 version of the AFC North. Sure, there will be some draft picks that will make an impact but, for the most part, what we see is what we got. That said, here is how I think it will play out. (Disclaimer: Not knowing the order in which these games will be played (which could impact the result), I'm only going by who we play based on what I know of those teams at this point in time.) AFC North; Bengals x 2. Perhaps the team in the division least affected by Free Agency. They will be defined this year by Andy Dalton's play. Last year they proved everyone wrong by making the playoffs two years running and I think they continue the trend this year. Sorry fellow Browns fans, they sweep us this year. (0-2) [0-2][/*] Steelers x 2. These guys are a riddle wrapped in an enigma. On the surface, it appears as if the Steelers' front office validated some non-Steeler fans claims that they were getting old and purged themselves of some of these aging veterans. Through the years though, they just seem to plug in the next man up and continue to win. However, these Browns seem to get the rivalry and have recently played the Steelers tough. I think we split with them this year. (1-1) [1-3][/*] Ravens x 2. Far and away the team most affected by Free Agency. Most of their player losses are being poo poo'd by their fan base but it is what it is. You can't lose a Lewis, Reed, Ellerbe, Boldin et al and NOT be affected. Granted, it wasn't a one way street as they brought in some good players (namely Dumervil and Canty) and I'm sure some of their fans will chime in with others. Still, I think we split with them as well. (1-1) [2-4][/*] AFC East Dolphins (Home). I, for one, am not buying into the FA hype nor do I think Tannehill is real thing. Win. [3-4][/*] Patriots (away). There is no way we beat these guys in their house. Loss [3-5][/*] Jets (Away). Next to the Raiders, probably the team in the most disarray. Win [4-5][/*] Bills (Home). Maybe a snow game, maybe not. No Dawson this year. Won't matter. Win [5-5][/*] NFC North Bears (Home). It's all on Cutler. I think he will have a good year. Loss [5-6][/*] Packers (Away). No way at Lambeau Loss [5-7][/*] Vikings (Away). This one may depend on when we play them. On paper, right now - Loss [5-8][/*] Lions (Home). Megatron eats our lunch. Loss [5-9][/*] 4th Place Teams Jaguars (Home). The Browns are improving faster than the Jags. Win [6-9][/*] Chiefs (Away). Look out for the Chiefs this year. Loss [6-10][/*] Final 2013 AFC North Standings 1. Bengals 11-5 2. Ravens 10-6 3. Steelers 9-7 4. Browns 6-10
I have the Browns about 6-10 Of course I have a few different wins and losses, but overall that's in the area I have them. Spoiler Of course I have them being swept by the Ravens
Wow... wouldn't this be considered jumping the gun? I mean, there are still so many variables. I will say that with Weeden as our QB, we won't win more than 5 - 6 games. I don't want to speculate as to which games they'll be, but that's his ceiling. What if Weeden gets hurt or loses the starting job in camp? That's a +2 in the win column automatically.
I have been saying 7- 9 wins the last three years ..this year we make 500 at least . with a real O Cordinator IMHO Weeds will surprise some of you . it is a make or break year for him and he knows it . In Chud we trust !
Read the opening of my post again, Sammy. Of course there are some variables out there that could impact this. I only posted based on what I know TODAY ! (sheesh)
That depends upon HOW they got to 6-10. If all 6 wins were due to solid play and all 10 loses were because we were simply beaten by a better team . . . then, yes that would be an improvement. If we luck into a couple of wins because the other team didn't show up or somehow gave the game away - not so much. But, then, not even you can predict those types of events. Haven't had a chance to compare Strength of Schedule 2012 to 2013 but I'm going to guess that this year is harder (AFC East and NFC North). If the current rebuild were farther along, I would have to agree with Crex and go with 10 wins. But, it isn't. Like it or not, we're in year one again (albeit with a better starting point).
Yeah, I agree Lym...with the change in schemes and also the subsequent rebuild, I would be happy with 7 wins...
Bengals x 2 - Split (1-1) Steelers x 2 - Sweep (3-1) Ravens x 2 - Split (4-2) Dolphins (H) - Win (5-2) Patriots (A) - Loss (5-3) Jets (A) - Win (6-3) Bills (H) - Win (7-3) Bears (H) - Loss (7-4) Packers (A) - Loss (7-5) Vikings (A) - Win (8-5) Lions (H) - Win (9-5) Jags (H) - Win (10-5) Cheifs (A) - Loss (10-6) My opptimistic predictions!
