Browns schedule: Difficulty rank should give fans more hope

Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns fans pose with a large helmet at the 2026 NFL Draft Experience at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The difference in hope among Cleveland Browns fans from before the 2026 NFL draft and after is palpable. Few believe the team is set to compete for any kind of championship this season, but the foundation that was laid with the 2025 rookie class has now been added to with the 2026 group that could reach even higher marks than last year.

The big question remains at the quarterback position, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders leading the competition, and Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green also on the roster.

For the 2026 schedule, we know the Browns opponents but don’t know when they play each team. With the NFL schedule release expected in the next week or so, there will be a lot to evaluate. Looking ahead, Warren Sharp has Cleveland’s schedule as one of the easiest in the NFL:

At this time last year, Sharp’s data saw four of the six easiest schedules win more games than expected, with the other two missing their mark by just a half game. On the other hand, the six hardest schedules all went under their season win totals. The one exception was Cleveland, which won five games with a preseason line of 4.5.

Currently, the Browns over/under line is 6.5 victories in HC Todd Monken’s first season. Going over that number, given the AFC North’s struggles last season, could put Cleveland in the playoff chase in 2026.

What do you think about preseason schedule rankings like Sharp’s? Doesthe above data give you more hope for the 2026 season?