Two Bold Predictions For 2021 Cleveland Browns Season

It’s here. 

The Cleveland Browns kick off their 2021 season against the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday. 

The Browns have high expectations. In fact, the Browns have Super Bowl aspirations. 

Yes, you heard me...the Browns have Super Bowl aspirations. 

So, let’s dive into some bold predictions for the 2021 season. 

The Cleveland Browns will have a first-round bye in the playoffs

Last year, the NFL extended their playoff format to allow for more wild-card teams to make the postseason. In doing so, that eliminated the second bye-week spot for a playoff team. 

Now, there is just one bye week up for grabs for the number-one seed in the AFC and NFC. 

The Browns and Chiefs will be the two best teams in the AFC North this year. Sure, you can’t read too much into a week 1 matchup. This game, however, is different…

Browns - Chiefs week one could very well decide the No. 1 seed and first-round bye in the AFC. Crucial game. 

Now, let’s shift the focus to the AFC North, where the Browns have six games. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers won the AFC North last season. That won’t happen again. 

The Steelers offense will look different this year with the departure of James Conner and the arrival of first-round pick, Najee Harris. 

The problem with the Steelers is their offensive line. The Steelers offensive line ranked 17th last season according to Pro Football Focus. 

Heading into the 2021 season, the Steelers offensive line ranks 31st, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Steelers offensive line got worse. This will cripple them. The Steelers will not make the playoffs in 2021 and good luck blocking Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney.

The Ravens have been plagued with injuries all offseason. In just three weeks, the Ravens lost three running backs to season ending injuries - J.K Dobbins, Justice Hill and Gus Edwards.

The Ravens also lost starting CB Marcus Peters and starting LB L.J. Fort to season-ending injuries. The Ravens will not be able to recover from all of these injuries.

In the words of Ju-Ju Smith Schuster, “the Bengals is the Bengals.”

The Bengals still have a less-than talented offensive line and will have trouble blocking for Joe Burrow again.

Until the Bengals can figure out how to protect their franchise quarterback, they will be a non-threat in the AFC North.

The mediocrity of the AFC North as well as a schedule that favors the Browns in most games will propel the Cleveland Browns to the number-one seed in the AFC North. Thus, receiving a first-round bye in the NFL Playoffs. 

Austin Hooper will Lead the Browns in TD Catches

Statistically speaking, Austin Hooper had a lackluster first year with the Browns. 

Hooper caught 46 passes for 435 yards and just four touchdowns. 

In 2019, Hooper registered 75 catches for 787 yards and six touchdowns for the Atlanta Falcons. 

Can he return to form this season? 

Yes and he will. 

Hooper scored three of his four touchdowns in the Browns final five games of 2020. He had 20 catches during that five game streak. The chemistry with Baker Mayfield was non-existent to start the year but when the Browns offense took off, Hooper contributed. 

Throughout the offseason, we’ve seen videos and pictures of Baker Mayfield and Austin Hooper hanging out and developing chemistry. Hooper joined teammates at “Camp Baker” earlier this offseason in Texas. Hooper was also a participant in Baker Mayfield’s trip to Yellowstone last weekend. 

The chemistry between Mayfield and Hooper will become evident to Browns fans early in the season. Hooper is poised for a breakout season in 2021 and will lead the Browns in red zone targets and touchdown catches. 

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