The Cleveland Browns defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18. Not only did that win give the team a clean sweep of the AFC North champions and send their season out on a winning note but it also had a couple of negative effects.
First, as we noted earlier, the team will be drafting 13th overall instead of 10th due to their late-season victory. A three-spot drop isn’t huge but, come draft day, could play a big role in who they are able to select.
Second, the team’s victory also changed who was on their schedule for 2022. Their win meant they play against other third-place teams in the AFC West, AFC South and NFC East. Instead of facing Denver, Jacksonville and the New York Giants, the Browns will face the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans and Washington (soon to have a name) Football Team.
The team’s full opponent list:
- Cincinnati (twice)
- Baltimore (twice)
- Pittsburgh (twice)
- New England
- Buffalo
- Miami Dolphins
- New York Jets
- Washington Football Team
- Houston Texans
- New Orleans Saints
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
A lot of teams with recent success on their docket for 2022. The Browns hope that their plans with Baker Mayfield returning and drafting 13th overall will lead them to success against a somewhat difficult schedule in 2022.