We know the Browns love drama. They traded one broken storyline in Baker Mayfield and in return replaced that by jumping in with both feet and a massive pile of cash to the Deshaun Watson saga.
Watson is suspended for the first 11 games of the season, so the next chapter in that story is on hold.
But lo and behold, as we open a new book for the 2022 season, who is the Week 1 opponent Sunday? Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers.
It appears the NFL enjoys poking franchises as much as possible.
To prepare for the season ahead of the game in Charlotte, here are some numbers to remember and some to contemplate.
1-21-1
That is the Browns’ record in the first game of the season since the reincarnation of the franchise in 1999. If a bettor carried that record into the doors in Vegas, they would probably show some pity and say they didn’t want his money anymore. There are a lot of reasons for that record, but in some ways, it is nearly impossible to comprehend.
3.5
Myles Garrett is second all-time in sacks for the franchise with 58.5. Clay Matthews holds the record with 62. It seems like that record will fall sometime in September.
+1.5
The Browns are underdogs against the Panthers, who finished last season with a 5-12. Betting on sports is set to become legal in Ohio on Jan. 1, 2023. So that is something to look forward to during the final two weeks of the regular season.
5.3
Nick Chubb along with Garrett are the two best Browns players. Chubb averages 5.3 yards per carry for his career. He will be counted on to produce most of the offense along with Kareem Hunt with Watson out until the final six games.
8.5
That is the over/under betting line for the number of wins this season, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. That would put the Browns in third place in the AFC North behind the Ravens and Bengals.
+3200
That is the opening odds on the Browns winning the Super Bowl, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The favorite is the Bills at +500.
14-23
Jacoby Brissett is the Browns' starting quarterback, and that is his career record as a starter in the NFL with his previous three teams. That probably doesn’t knock your socks off, but to put that in perspective, Mayfield’s record is 29-30 as a starter.
Here is to a fun season with the drama staying on the field, with Garrett and Chubb cementing their statuses in the league and for the fans to enjoy their favorite adult beverages with several chocolate chip cookies riding on the outcomes each week.
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