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Don't look now but many believe that the Cleveland Browns could win the AFC North Division. The Browns had better 2008 payout odds to do so at press time - A $100 bet would pay out $185 at SBG Global compared to even odds for the Steelers. The Cleveland Browns odds to win the 2009 Super Bowl were set at +2600 or a $100 bet would pay out $2600. Their odds to win the AFC Conference were +1500 or 15/1.
SBG Global odds makers are not entirely impressed, however, listing the Browns with -115 odds of going either Over or Under 8 wins during the regular season. Translation: SBG believes the Browns will be average at best.
The problem is that the Cleveland Browns will have to be top notch to get through one of the league's roughest schedules.
"Expectations will be through the roof, and the Browns will need to get off to a good start to have a chance," writes Ryan Wilson of the AOL Fan House. "Their schedule is brutal and to win the AFC North they will need to beat the Steelers, something they haven't been very good at in recent ... Decades."
Wilson rates Cleveland's receivers and offensive line among the best out there. The secondary unit may be among the worst, however.
"First, the good news: Sean Jones and Brodney Pool are two great young safeties, and Eric Wright plays more like a grizzled veteran than a second-year player. Bad news: everybody else is hurt. Or at least it seems that way. How well the duct tape keeps the secondary together could go a long way in determining how this season goes."
James Alder of About.comwrites:
"Along with the additions to the defensive line making an instant impact, the Browns need someone in the secondary to step up. Leigh Bodden, a starter in 2007, was traded to the Detroit Lions and Daven Holley is out for the season with a knee injury. That means that last year's No. 2, Eric Wright, will be pushed into the No. 1 role, while backup Brandon McDonald moves up to the starting spot vacated by Wright. This could be a recipe for disaster unless the duo elevates their game and the Browns' front seven generates a consistently effective pass rush."
Alder believes the Browns can go 10-6 this season.
"They just missed a division championship last year, so it's no stretch to think that with just a small amount of improvement on the defensive side these guys just might be the favorites in the AFC North for the first time since re-joining the league."
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Mary Montgomery, Gambling911.com
