Opinions on the fate of the 2020 Cleveland Browns are generally middle-of-the-pack, with the win projections and power ranking slots usually between 14th and 20th. While that might be a little disappointing, those are realistic expectations for a team with a rookie head coach, at least two new starters on the offensive line and several defensive question marks.
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The analysts at Football Outsiders are less optimistic about the fate of Kevin Stefanski’s first Browns team. In their annual projection of DVOA (courtesy Touchdown Wire) or defense-adjusted value over average, the Browns rank just 24th entering the season.
Cleveland’s value of minus-5.1 is barely better than the Broncos or Jets, two teams generally perceived to be well behind the Browns in the AFC playoff picture. The defense is the sticking point, and the recent injuries in the secondary don’t help,
The Browns are projected with a team DVOA of -5.1%, with the offense ahead of the defense, and 7.5 Average Wins. These projections were made before safety Grant Delpit’s season-ending Achilles tendon injury, and the possibility that cornerback Greedy Williams could miss serious time with a shoulder injury.
The breakdowns of how exactly Football Outsiders compiles the DVOA and the projected win totals are included in the Touchdown Wire explanation.