2024 NFL Cheat Sheet: Cleveland Browns Stats Odds

The Cleveland Browns were one of the best stories of the 2023-24 NFL season, overcoming a rash of NFL injuries to make the playoffs behind an unsuspecting quarterback.

They went 11-6, losing 45-14 to the Houston Texans in the AFC wild card round.

Can the Browns build on that success?

For more insight, let’s break down the projected 2024 Cleveland Browns stats.

Cleveland Browns At A Glance

Browns Turn Back to Underperforming Watson

The Browns shuffled through five different quarterbacks last season, with Joe Flacco stepping up as an unlikely savior.

Flacco, who wasn’t even on an NFL roster until late November, went 4-1 as a starter and led the Browns to an unlikely wild card berth.

He went on to win the NFL AP Comeback Player of the Year, outlasting presumed favorite Damar Hamlin.

It was a great story, but Flacco is now in Indianapolis and the Browns are back to where they started at quarterback with Deshaun Watson.

Watson underperformed (7 TD in 6 NFL games, 42.9 QBR) before going down with a season-ending shoulder injury, but the Browns have invested too much in the former Pro Bowler to cut ties.

Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt was fired after the season, and the Browns tabbed Ken Dorsey as his replacement.

Dorsey, who was widely praised for his work with Josh Allen in Buffalo, will be tasked with unearthing the best in Watson.

Whether he can do so may ultimately decide Cleveland’s fate. With so many other questions on the roster, the Brows can ill-afford their $200-million quarterback holding them back.

The last time the Browns made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons was 1988 and 1989, a drought they hope to soon break. They are +150 to return to the postseason, which is no small task in the AFC North.

For more, let’s dive into the projected 2024 Cleveland Browns stats.

• Super Bowl Odds: As Always, Wait ’til Next Year

The Browns have a Super Bowl-caliber defense, anchored by AP Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. But that will only take them so far if Watson can’t live up to his enormous contract. Bad quarterback play is nearly impossible to overcome.

Per NFL team records, 12 teams are still chasing their first Super Bowl. Four of them, including Cleveland, have yet to even make it to the “Big Game”.

Long-suffering Browns fans may have to wait a while longer, as it’s difficult to have much faith in Watson staying healthy and leading this beleaguered franchise to the promised land. Its odds (+4000) say as much.

• Conference Odds: Watson’s Struggles Too Much to Overcome

History says the Browns will fall short. That’s what happens every year, isn’t it? Why will this time be any different?

Look, it’s fun to dream. Nobody deserves a championship more than the Browns, who have long been one of the NFL’s punching bags.

But again, with Watson, a lot needs to fall into place. Maybe too much.

The Browns opened +2000 to win the AFC, and their odds (+2200) continue to head in the wrong direction. Given the questions about their roster, it’s understandable why.

• Division Odds: Ravens, Bengals Superior Bets

Cleveland has finished no better than second in the AFC North since the NFL reconfigured divisions in 2002. Its last division title came way back in 1989.

The Browns — who were second last year behind the 13-4 Ravens — are +600 to win the AFC North, better than Pittsburgh (+800) but well behind both Baltimore (+140) and Cincinnati (+145).

With their defense, it’s not unreasonable to think the Browns can overcome those NFL odds. But the Ravens and Bengals are superior bets thanks to the quarterback play.

• Regular Season Wins: Season-Defining Stretch Awaits in December

History is unkind to the Browns, who have surpassed this total only twice in the last 16 seasons. Then again, things are finally looking up in Cleveland.

The biggest obstacle, aside from injuries, could be the 2024 NFL schedule, which is littered with potential roadblocks.

Based on opponents’ 2023 winning percentages, Cleveland was handed the toughest slate in the NFL, beginning Week 1 against Dallas.

The Browns will face four Super Bowl contenders in the final month, a stretch that’ll likely decide whether they can get back to the playoffs.

They will host two-time defending champion Kansas City on Dec. 15 before visiting Cincinnati for a Thursday Night game four days later. The Browns return home on Dec. 29 against Miami before concluding the regular season in Baltimore on Jan. 5.

Survive those and the Browns should exceed 8.5 wins.

• To Make Playoffs: Reasonable Path to Return

The Browns made the NFL playoffs last season with a 38-year-old Flacco, so anything short of that would be a bitter disappointment.

While Flacco left for Indianapolis in free agency, the Browns replaced him with Jameis Winston. He’s a valuable backup should Watson greatly underperform or get injured again.

There are also questions at running back, with former All-Pro Nick Chubb recovering from a devastating knee injury, but head coach Kevin Stefanski’s adept at doing more with less.

When forecasting the 2024 Cleveland Browns stats, there’s some value at +140 odds.

Chubb is a Comeback Player of the Year Candidate

Chubb will likely begin training camp on the PUP list (active/physically unable to perform), meaning he can work out and rehab with the NFL team but not participate in drills.

If Chubb, who had surgery in November to repair a torn ACL, keeps progressing physically, it’s possible he could be ready to return Week 1 against the Cowboys.

His odds of winning Comeback Player of the Year (+850) would presumably skyrocket in that case.

For free NFL picks, betting analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine

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