Latest Browns 2025 schedule release predictions has Kevin Stefanski taking a trip across seas to play the team he came up with

We’re getting closer and closer to the start of the 2025 season, and the latest step toward that is the NFL’s schedule release this Wednesday.

The Cleveland Browns already know who they’ll be playing and where, but they don’t yet know when—or how—their opponents will be ordered throughout the season. These two factors play a crucial role in determining the overall difficulty (or ease) of a team’s regular-season schedule.

Before we get to the Browns’ official schedule on Wednesday, let’s go through a few early predictions following their 3-11 season.

1. The Browns will play the Minnesota Vikings in London

This rumor began circulating last week, suggesting the Browns will face the Minnesota Vikings in their international game in London. These two franchises are quite familiar with each other. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski spent years as an assistant in Minnesota before taking the helm in Cleveland in 2020.

Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also came up through the Browns’ front office. Both teams are led by offensive-minded head coaches, with Minnesota’s Kevin O’Connell considered one of the league’s best. The Vikings are expected to start J.J. McCarthy, who will be entering his rookie season healthy. A London matchup between these two teams makes sense, especially considering they held joint practices during last year’s training camp.

2. The Browns will initially be scheduled for just two primetime games

Following their 3-11 campaign, expectations for the Browns are low in 2025. Their gamble on Deshaun Watson didn’t pay off, and the team now finds itself in a slight rebuild. Cleveland is expected to be young at several key positions as new players grow into their roles.

Don’t expect the Browns to appear in many primetime games this season. While they have the potential to develop a strong offense, growing pains are likely—especially with two rookie quarterbacks currently on the roster.

3. The Browns will host No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans in Week 1

This prediction is a bit of a long shot. The NFL would’ve loved a Cam Ward vs. Shedeur Sanders opening-week showdown, but Sanders likely won’t be the starter to begin the season. The Browns were reportedly very interested in Ward and may have taken him had they held the No. 1 pick.

Instead, they’ll likely face him in his NFL debut. Both Tennessee and Cleveland are teams not expected to contend heavily in 2025, but this matchup could be an appealing choice for a Week 1 home opener in Cleveland.