The Cleveland Browns are, at least hoping, to enter a brave new world for the franchise’s second life, which began in 1999 as an expansion team. They hope, for the very first time, to win the division title. They have made the playoffs, but only as a Wildcard, since returning to the league. They haven’t ever won the AFC North title, a division that was formed in 2002, nor the AFC Central title as an expansion team prior to the realignment.
The vast majority of those on the outside are buying the hype, and, truth be told, maybe it’s merited.