3 Toughest Games for the Browns in 2023

A look at three games that standout on the Cleveland Browns schedule that could cause some issues.

Author:
Brandon Little
Publish date:
Jul 9, 2023 10:43 AM EDT

In this story:

The NFL schedule release was months ago but much has happened since then to give us a better idea of what exactly teams could be in 2023. Teams have rounded out their rosters for the most part and training camp is less than a couple of weeks away.

Cleveland Browns have an easier schedule than they had last year but still, there is a few games that stand out that look to be tough already.

Week 10 at Baltimore Ravens

Anytime the Browns play the Ravens it is going to be a battle. It will be no different this year and it’s fair to expect the Ravens to be much better than last season. Lamar Jackson got paid, he has a new offensive coordinator that should allow them to open up their offense a bit, and they got him some more weapons such as wideout Odell Beckham Jr.

The Ravens will make the trip to Cleveland in week 4 but the second matchup will be much more important. Whoever loses the first matchup will need a win in this one badly because you never want to go worse than 1-1 against a division opponent.

Each matchup with the Ravens is going to be a great test for the Browns’ new-look defense, this one will be no different.

Week 17 vs. New York Jets

Last season, the Browns blew a 13-point lead with less than two minutes left to lose to the Jets, 31-30. It was a gut-wrenching loss that took some air out of things. Joe Flacco had his way with the Browns like he normally has, and wide receiver Garrett Wilson had his breakout game as a rookie with 108 receiving yards.

Insert the aging Aaron Rodgers, the Jets got better and that wasn’t the only move they made. This game stands out because, by week 17, you have a firm idea of who you are and where you’re going. Teams will know what they need to do to get into the playoffs if they still have a shot. There’s a legit chance that these two teams could be battling for an AFC Wildcard spot.

This one is a Thursday Night Football game on national television, so have the popcorn ready.

Week 18 at Cincinnati Bengals

Until someone can knock the Bengals off their success path over the past couple of seasons, they’re the odds-on favorite to take the AFC North. Cleveland is equipped to challenge for the division, so this game late in the season has the makings of being a classic.

Lately, the Browns have held the edge over the Bengals. Quarterback Joe Burrow is great but he’s still just 1-4 against Cleveland in his career. That win came in the second matchup last season. He had been fairly good against the Browns in the first two games against them in his career but in the last three, he’s left plenty to desire.

On paper, the Bengals lost both safeties in Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell, tight end Hayden Hurst, and running back Samaje Perine. They signed safety Nick Scott but he’s not on the level of players they lost. Their biggest off-season move was improving their offensive line with offensive tackle Orlando Brown.

Obviously, this will be the second matchup of the season between the teams and the first matchup will be important, too. A late-season trip to Cincinnati will be tough, surely Browns fans will travel well as they always do.

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