On Thursday night, the Cleveland Browns fell to a 0-10 record on the current NFL season. The team is currently on pace to have the fifth winless season in NFL history. Of the four previous teams, the Detroit Lions, in the 2008 season, were the only team to have a 0-16 season. In addition, this 0-10 start is the worst start for any Cleveland Browns team in the franchise history. There are seven weeks left in the NFL season and the Browns play in six of those weeks. So let’s examine the chances that the Cleveland Browns avoid the dreaded winless season.
Week 11: Sorry! Try again next week.
In “Big” Ben Roethlisberger’s career against the Cleveland Browns, he is 18-2. Both of Roethlisberger’s two losses came in Cleveland, but in one loss the Steelers had no run game, which hasn’t been the case most of the season. Yes, the Steelers as an offensive unit have been struggling in recent weeks, but it is hard to believe that this Cleveland defense will be able to put together enough stops that would allow this game to stay competitive. Maybe there is a chance they can get the ‘W’ next week.
Week 12: Ooooh, you almost had it!
The New York Giants have been a mediocre team this year, but the pass defense for the Cleveland Browns has been absolutely atrocious. The Browns are in the bottom third of every important pass defense category and when matched up against one of the best wide receiving corps in the NFL, it’ll be a long day for the Cleveland secondary. However, the Giants defense may possibly allow the Browns to stay in the game, but a late touchdown pass may seal the fate for another loss for the Cleveland Browns.
Week 13: Bye Week
Maybe go to a Cavilers game. Experience what it is like to win a game for a change, you deserve it. You guys are loyal fans for sticking it out with such a terrible team year after year. Reward yourself.
Week 14: Bye week magic?
The Cincinnati Bengals are coming to town and this gives the Browns another opportunity to get a win. The bye week should allow this team to prepare for the Bengals and potentially make this a close game. In their earlier matchup this year, the Browns stayed in the game until midway through the third quarter, but when the Bengals kept their foot down and extended their lead by ten to go on and eventually end up with a 14 point Browns loss. Maybe a good study of the tape from the first matchup this season will allow the Browns to get their first win in week fourteen?
Week 15: This one might be ugly.
The Buffalo Bills have had one of the best defenses in the league this year. A team that is as turnover prone as the Browns will struggle mightily on the road against this defense. The Browns will likely have issues with keeping possession of the ball and putting drives together. This is going to be a hard one to watch for any football fan in general, let alone a Browns fan. Just know that one of the best opportunities you have will come next week.
Week 16: The glimmer of hope.
The San Diego Chargers have one of the worst defenses in the league, which is why this week is probably the Browns best chances for them to earn that elusive win. However, this means that the defense will have to show up and make a couple of stops against the Chargers offense; this will end up as a very close game. So hold out hope Browns fans and circle this game on your calendar because if you want to watch a Browns win, this will be the one Sunday that you are going to want to sit down and watch the game.
Week 17: No New Year's magic.
The Browns play their final game of the year on New Year's Day 2017, but I doubt the magic and hope of a new year will get them that win. Chances are the Pittsburgh Steelers will pull their starters at some point in this game unless playoff seeding is on the line to avoid any injury. However, the Browns probably can’t keep from getting in their own way and will give this game away to the Steelers at some point. Better start planning that 0-16 victory parade because if the Cleveland Browns don’t win before this week seventeen matchup, there is no hope to get the win in their season finale. Ben Roethlisberger has never lost a home start to the Browns and I doubt that it happens on New Years 2017.
