2. Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns were a team that was predicted to have a breakout season. After showing some flashes in 2018, Baker Mayfield was seen as the quarterback to lead a down-and-out franchise back to the playoffs and perhaps beyond.
In the words of Lee Corso, “Not so fast.” Cleveland is what happens when you believe your own hype. Mayfield, who looked to be the goods, has faced a barrage of criticism for quarterback play that has been erratic at best. Head coach Freddie Kitchens might have been a galactic type of mistake for a franchise that seems to have all the elements necessary for winning but still isn’t.
The AFC North is no juggernaut. A good argument could have been made and was in a lot of circles that, given the finish of the division in 2018, the North could boast a few playoff teams. Not so much in 2019. At 2-4, the Browns have faced a brutal schedule, and still have to close out October with a game at New England.
While that schedule may potentially even out in the second half of the season, Cleveland is a team that clearly was not ready for prime-time. Neither was Mayfield. If the Browns are to have any chance this season, a lot has to change, but given the history and the central characters of Kitchens and Mayfield, this season is likely to end with more disappointment than not.