In many ways, the Cleveland Browns are flying under the radar entering the 2024 season.
The Browns are clearly one of the most talented teams in the entire league, at least on paper.
But as we all know, games are not played on paper … And the biggest question is what exactly can we expect out of quarterback Deshaun Watson?
Watson is returning from injury and is hoping he can live up to the massive five-year, $230 million contract he signed back in 2022.
He still has time to turn the narrative around, but that enormous deal which was fully-guaranteed isn’t looking to pretty for the Browns right now.
Speaking of Watson, he recently made headlines when he declared that the Browns-Steelers rivalry is the greatest in sports.
“Cleveland-Pittsburgh, for sure,” Watson said of the top rivalry.
“It’s even bigger than Cincinnati. It’s not Baltimore. Baltimore is up there, but it ain’t as real as Pittsburgh.”
Now, we can all think of several heated rivalries off the top of our heads that could certainly enter this discussion.
Having said that, the AFC North is filled with fierce rivalries from top to bottom.
Although, it’s hard to ignore just how dominant the Steelers have been when it comes to the overall numbers when focusing on their history against Cleveland in particular.
You can’t blame Watson for trying to spice things up though.
Interestingly, Watson’s personal career record against the Steelers is 0-3.
In other words, it’s easy to see why he hates Pittsburgh so much.
Both the Browns and Steelers made the playoffs last season. Although, with Watson injured, Cleveland was led by the magical Joe Flacco.
Some Browns fans were secretly wishing that Cleveland kept Flacco around. But unfortunately for them, he’s off to the Indianapolis Colts.
Heading into his third year with the Browns, Watson finds himself once again under the microscope for multiple reasons.
As far as actual football is concerned, he desperately needs a bounce-back year.
Cleveland is built to win-now, but they need Watson to play like the Houston-Watson in order for them to accomplish their ultimate goals.
The AFC North as a whole will be a fascinating division to keep an eye on this coming season.
Pittsburgh will usher in Russell Wilson (or Justin Fields) at quarterback to along with their stout defense.
While the Bengals will welcome the ultra-talented Joe Burrow back to Cincinnati. (His return alone will make them very dangerous in the AFC playoff picture.)
Interestingly, the division is home to the three toughest schedules in the entire league (#1. Browns, #2. Ravens, #3. Steelers).
What are your thoughts on Watson’s belief that Browns-Steelers is the greatest rivalry in sports?
What do YOU think the best rivalry is?
More importantly, what are your realistic expectations for both Cleveland and Pittsburgh heading into the season?
What exactly can we expect out of Watson going forward???