2008 Team Preview: Cleveland Browns – AFC North

2007 Record: 10-6
Key Losses: Leigh Bodden (CB)
Key Additions: Donte Stallworth (WR), Rex Hadnot (C), Shaun Rogers (DT), Corey Williams (DT)

The Browns didn’t have a draft pick until the 4th round but did acquire 2 quality defensive linemen to help improve their biggest weakness.  Last year this team over achieved helped by a soft schedule and surprise play from Derek Anderson.  The question becomes whether or not Anderson emerged last year as a top shelf QB or simply had a career year.  The likely scenario lies in between.

The schedule gets much tougher for the Browns this season and with expectations higher the upcoming season looks like it’s setting up to be a disappointment.  Browns offense may go backwards a bit and the D has too much improving to do.  As a handicapper I’ll be looking for pointspreads to over value the Browns early.

Predicted 2008-09 Record: 9-7
Possibly in the muddled AFC North playoff picture until late.