2025 Cleveland Browns projected win total, prediction

Cleveland Browns fans don't have high expectations heading into the 2025-26 season, and neither do sportsbooks. With a league-low win total of 4.5, the Browns are projected to be the worst team in the NFL this year. 

Regular-season win total: 4.5 (BetMGM)

Outlook: The Browns are coming off a dreadful 3-14 campaign in which they ranked last in the NFL in points per game (15.2), yards per pass (5.9) and turnover margin (-22). The biggest issue was quarterback play, as Deshaun Watson went 1-6 as the starter and threw for only 164 yards per game and five total touchdowns. Cleveland didn't score more than 18 points in any of Watson's seven starts. 

Watson likely won't play a snap in 2025 after suffering a ruptured Achilles and undergoing two surgeries, but there's no guarantee the Browns will get better QB play this season.

Cleveland has the messiest quarterback situation in the NFL right now. Not only did the Browns sign Joe Flacco and trade for Kenny Pickett this offseason, but they also drafted Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel to muck up the QB room even more. It's anyone's guess which signal-caller will start the most games in 2025. 

Aside from the perplexing quarterback situation, the Browns do have some tantalizing talent on the roster. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is coming off a career-high 90 receptions and 1,229 receiving yards last season. David Njoku is one of the most dangerous downfield threats at tight end in the league. Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson make up a promising rookie running back duo. Left guard Joel Bitonio, right guard Wyatt Teller and right tackle Jack Conklin are still a few of the best in the business on the offensive line. Still, that talent will be wasted if the quarterback position can't perform. 

On defense, the Browns were able to keep four-time All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett by giving him a four-year, $160M contract. Cleveland has top-end talent at all three levels with Garrett, linebacker Jordan Hicks and cornerback Denzel Ward, and rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham has a bright future ahead. This top-heavy defense will likely be a middle-of-the-pack group due to its lack of depth.