The Browns’ schedule for the 2024 season has been confirmed, comprising eight home games and nine away games.
In their home games, they will contend with teams from the AFC West, NFC East, AFC East, and their customary AFC North opponents. On the road, they will face challenges from the AFC North, AFC West, NFC East, AFC South, and NFC South.
The official NFL schedule for the upcoming season will be released later this spring, featuring matchups against familiar rivals and teams from different divisions.
The designated home games include clashes with the Bengals, Chargers, Chiefs, Cowboys, Giants, Dolphins, Ravens, and Steelers. Meanwhile, the Browns will be on the road to confront the Bengals, Broncos, Commanders, Eagles, Jaguars, Raiders, Ravens, Saints, and Steelers.
As the Browns gear up for the NFL Playoffs as the fifth seed in the AFC, they find themselves riding the wave of “Flacco Fever,” generated by quarterback Joe Flacco. His journey with the team began when he joined the practice squad in November, stepping into the starting lineup in Week 13 after the season-ending shoulder injury to Deshaun Watson.
Flacco’s impact has been noteworthy, marked by achievements such as being the first quarterback in NFL history to record 250 passing yards and two or more passing touchdowns in each of his first five games with a franchise. Despite a pause in Week 18, where Flacco rested while the Browns played a meaningless game against the Bengals, a notable concern has emerged – turnovers.
In the five games since Flacco took over, the Browns, and Flacco in particular, have struggled with ball security, committing 12 turnovers, including nine interceptions or fumbles by Flacco.
The defense stepped up by forcing 11 turnovers, allowing the offense to start in opposing territory 11 times. However, the upcoming playoffs present a more formidable challenge, and turnovers could prove to be a critical “fatal flaw.”
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell underscores the significance of turnovers in the postseason, highlighting that teams with quarterbacks prone to turnovers face a tougher road. The Browns, with their strong defense, have been the league’s best this season, but relying on multiple takeaways in each playoff game might be unrealistic.
The propensity for turnovers has impacted the Browns’ offensive efficiency, contributing to a positive EPA in only three games leading up to Week 18. Although Flacco has improved the offensive outlook, he ranks 29th in EPA per pass attempt among qualifying quarterbacks this season.
While the Browns have shown resilience throughout the season, minimizing turnovers becomes crucial for sustained success in the playoffs.
Reflecting on Flacco’s past playoff success – leading the Ravens to a championship in 2012 without a turnover – raises optimism. If the Browns can unlock a turnover-free version of Flacco in the Wild Card round, it could propel them to new heights and elevate “Flacco Fever” to unprecedented levels in the coming weeks.
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