By Ethan Dudley
For the past decade, the Cleveland Browns have always been looked down upon. Having not won a Superbowl, let alone appear in one, the Browns seem to be the laughing stock of the NFL. Since 2015, the Browns have only had two seasons with a winning record, peaking in 2020 with an 11-5 record to end the season. Many thought that the Browns would remain in the bottom half of the NFL, however, the 2026 season seems promising.
After week 4, Cleveland sits at the top of the AFC North with a 3-1 record, tying other notable teams such as the Buffalo Bills and the Seattle Seahawks. As for their quarterback, Deshaun Watson, he became 11th in passing yards after week 4, passing quarterbacks such as Brock Purdy and Patrick Mahomes. Watson’s main target has been second-year tight end Harold Fannin Jr. who has so far scored 3 receiving touchdowns, just 1 below the 7-time pro bowler tight end George Kittle. Denzel Boston, a wide receiver rookie out of the University of Washington is second in receiving touchdowns for the Browns, with 2 touchdown receptions. Their second year starting running back Quinshon Judkins has seemingly found his rhythm, scoring his first touchdown of the 2026 season, while also having an impact in Cleveland’s passing game.
The Cleveland Browns hold the number one spot of their division, the AFC North, with their only loss being in week 1 against the Chicago Bears. The Browns should keep their winning record this next couple of weeks, considering their next matchups include the 1-3 New York Jets and the 0-4 Tennessee Titans. As long as the Browns are able to stay healthy, they may have a shot of making the playoffs for the first time since 2023. This season may not be the only shot they have either. The Browns have a really young roster, meaning the players have plenty of years to adapt to the standards of the NFL.
