I really don't understand how they're predicted to be so good. Yeah, Burrow makes a difference but no way they reach the heights all these predictors are saying.

@ap1 said:

I don't want to take away from the season prediction thread(s) that will be coming. Out of respect for the guys that run those topics, I'm not going to make my prediction in this thread.

Instead, I'll share that I would use the following to inspire the locker room to prove the doubters wrong.

I'd rather be pleasantly surprised than very disappointed.  In 1995 there were quite a few Commentators on the networks covering the preseason games predicting the Browns would improved upon their 11-5 record from 1 season ago to make the Super Bowl.  I think even Boomer's Esiah's son and Dan Dierdorf were agreeing about the Browns finally making it to the Super Bowl if memory serves me right.  After starting that season with a 3-1 record - maybe things were going to be different this time around... They sure were as the Browns went 2-10 over the last 12 weeks as the team and fanbase received a sledge hammer upside the head as the news leaked that Modell was moving the team to Baltimore. 

All that said, I do like to put on my Nostradumbass hat and make predictions when @dutch-oven gives us the Questions to Answer a week or 2 before the regular season starts.  The biggest challenge with that is buffering what I want this team to achieve with what reality is throwing our way.  Even then, I still add a win or 2 for my favorite team.  I'll keep ya posted when that starts paying off...

At least this was kinder. Make me broke, Browns.