Last fall, on a crisp, cool night in Cleveland, the Browns welcomed rookie quarterback Sam Darnold and the New York Jets for a primetime Thursday night matchup. It was the third week of the regular season, and the Hard Knocks-famous Browns were still desperately looking for their first win in 635 days.
A whole lot has changed in Cleveland since then. After finishing with a 7-8-1 record and finally finding their franchise quarterback in Baker Mayfield, the Browns have become one of the NFL’s most talented and anticipated teams. Over the course of the past few months, they’ve transformed their coaching staff, revamped their defensive line and added one of the league’s top receivers in Odell Beckham Jr..
Entering the 2019 season, it’s no longer about one win; it’s about streaks of them. Playoff conversation? It’s now a Super Bowl conversation. And for the first time in over a decade, Cleveland won’t be at the center of attention on draft day.
The buzz is legitimate because this team is finally legitimate – and the NFL is making scheduling changes because of it.
The Browns, a franchise that has been on national television just four times in the past three years, are expected to fill some of the league’s most coveted time slots this upcoming season. With the finalized schedule set to be released within the next few weeks, there have been plenty of rumors about who the Browns might face in a primetime season opener, with each possibility presenting its own intriguing storylines and rivalries.
New York Jets
Browns overall record: 14-12
If the NFL is hoping for an opening night duel between two of its youngest starting quarterbacks, then this possible rematch might be a front runner.
Darnold ended 2018 on an upswing, placing second overall in rookie passing and finishing his last three games with a combined 761 yards and zero interceptions. The Jets have had a relatively quiet offseason so far and are more focused on protecting their quarterback than making any blockbuster moves in free agency.
While the Jets would have home-field advantage; the Browns would have the momentum entering this one. New York and their 24th ranked passing defense have their hands full against a loaded and energized Cleveland offense. Mayfield’s rookie emergence came at the expense of the Jets last season as he outmatched Darnold in passing yards and completions.
There might not be any Budweiser fridges this time around, but a nationally televised rematch between these two teams would have plenty of buzz.
New England Patriots
Browns overall record: 13-11
There’s nothing like an early season test than having to open up against the defending world champions. When it comes to handling pressure and expectations, this one checks all the boxes.
The proven, tight-knit Bill Belichick versus the rookie, free-flowing Freddie Kitchens.
Tom Brady and his six Super Bowl rings against a scrappy, scruffy and cocky Baker Mayfield.
If the Browns flounder, it serves as an early season reality check. If they come out victorious, especially playing in Foxborough, the expectations became even grander.
Over the past two seasons, the Patriots have a combined record of 4-5 in their first four games. The Browns might be able to capitalize on their sluggish starts and uncharacteristic vulnerability, especially with Brady no longer having Rob Gronkowski as a downfield target.
For first-year head coach Kitchens and his staff, a matchup against the Patriots presents the ultimate challenge. Since Mayfield took over, the Browns have yet to beat a team with a winning record. After holding the Rams to three points in last year’s Super Bowl, Belichick has already proven the Patriots are fully capable of shutting down a high-powered offense.
It’s a long season with plenty of premature predictions, but the Browns might have the opportunity to make a big statement early.
Baltimore Ravens
Browns overall record: 10-30
The Browns still have a bad taste in their mouth after falling short to the Ravens in their season finale. While the wild card hunt was out of reach, they came just short of crushing Baltimore’s playoff hopes after Mayfield threw a fourth quarter interception.
Both teams have been busy this offseason. The Ravens added six-time Pro Bowler Earl Thomas to their already number one ranked defense and they’ve boosted their running attack with the acquisition of Mark Ingram. Quarterback LaMar Jackson ran for 90 yards and two touchdowns in his first matchup with the Browns and he enters round two with playoff experience on his resume.
A Ravens versus Browns season opener would be filled with history, grudges and plenty of trash talk. After the Browns made the blockbuster trade for Beckham and significantly increased their odds to win the division, Ravens safety Tony Jefferson made sure to remind everyone who still holds the title.
“Until then you got to come strip the title from us… You can sleep if you want, but we’re going to be out there playing ball, and let the cards come out how they do. We work a little harder, lift a little harder, run a little harder out there. So I’m excited.”
This potential opening matchup might be a fan favorite. The Browns believe they’ve given Mayfield the tools to outsmart and outpass a tough Ravens defense. It’d be a battle of two very different quarterbacks with plenty of divisional pride on the line.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Browns overall record: 58-75-1
You can’t be considered elite until you beat the elite. For the Browns, that means overcoming the Steelers.
Pittsburgh holds a 27-3-1 record against the Browns in their last 31 matchups. They might have lost Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown but they still possess Cleveland’s kryptonite: Ben Roethlisberger. In 15 seasons, he has beaten the Browns 23 times, making him a top contender for most wins by a quarterback against one opponent.
But this Browns team is different. On paper, they have the most talented team in the AFC North. Most importantly, they finally found their franchise quarterback.
Just last week, NFL.com named the Browns vs. Steelers as the top rivalry for the 2019 season.
“…there is something that just feels right about Browns-Steelers being the pick. Because there will be no in between with these two. Either the Browns fulfill their destiny this season and win the division in convincing fashion, rollicking past the competition while the Steelers fall into further chaos. Or the Browns finish 5-11, while the Steelers claim the top seed in the AFC. I’m telling you: It’s one or the other.”
A season opener between these two has all the elements for a memorable primetime affair. It’s a chance to show the division, and the league, what this new-look Browns team is made of.
Los Angeles Rams
Browns overall record: 11-12
The Rams turned heads last year as they finished with a 13-3 regular season record and powered their way to the Super Bowl. Quarterback Jared Goff is one of the league’s brightest stars and head coach Sean McVay is changing the standard for NFL offenses.
Despite an underwhelming performance against the Patriots, the Rams will enter 2019 as a front-runner. They had the second highest scoring offense in the league last season and have used free agency to bolster their defense, adding notable veterans Eric Weddle and Clay Matthews.
A season opener between the Rams and Browns isn’t about history or a long-awaited rematch; it’s a peek into the future. Mayfield and Goff are just beginning their professional careers and McVay and Kitchens are unconventional coaches leading talented rosters.
If the NFL is looking for a high-scoring, glitzy night of football, the Browns might be kicking off September with some West Coast visitors.
