Advanced model updates Browns' projected win total
The SportsLine Projection Model has updated its projected win totals after the 2020 NFL Draft.
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After entering the 2019 season with a roster many pundits thought could compete for a division title, the Cleveland Browns turned in a disappointing 6-10 season. As a result, the franchise decided to abandon their experiment with former interim coach Freddie Kitchens and have tasked former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski with getting former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield back on track and getting something out of a team that still has plenty of talent.
Cleveland's two biggest signings in free agency should both help Mayfield, with offensive tackle Jack Conklin signing a three-year, $42 million to help protect the former Heisman Trophy winner and tight end Austin Hooper giving him another significant weapon. And a three-year, $18 million contract for Case Keenum also brings in competition to push Mayfield and provide a lot of experience as the backup.
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At the 2020 NFL Draft, the Browns continued making protecting Mayfield their prime concern by drafting Alabama offensive tackle Jedrick Wills with the No. 10 overall pick. Then in the second round they landed a potential impact player with LSU safety Grant Delpit slipping to No. 44.
With their remaining five picks, the Browns found some value with Missouri defensive lineman Jordan Elliott in the third round and Michigan wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones in round six. They also continued stocking up at tight end with Florida Atlantic's Harrison Bryant and overall did a solid job of adding valuable depth.
But if the Browns are going to compete in the always tough AFC North, it's going to be on Mayfield, Odell Beckham Jr. and Myles Garrett to put disappointing 2019 seasons behind them and get the franchise as a whole back on track. Can they do that and will that be enough to track down the Ravens and the Steelers with Ben Roethlisberger back?
The SportsLine Projection Model predicts that the Browns win an average of 8.4 games in the computer's 10,000 simulations of the 2020 NFL season, up from 7.4 projected wins prior to the 2020 NFL Draft. Cleveland wins the division 8.1 percent of the time and makes the playoffs 48.1 percent of the time. The Browns are also currently 40-1 to win Super Bowl 55 according to William Hill, which is tied for 19th-best odds in the NFL.