NFL Predictions
NFL Predictions After finishing the 2007 season at 10-6 and barely missing the playoffs, the Browns were tabbed as the trendy team to make the post-season in 2008, but that bubble burst quickly as Cleveland ended up going just 4-12 prompting major changes in the off-season.

The Browns replaced both their coach and general manager in the hopes that former Jets head coach Eric Mangini and new GM George Kokinis can instill a tougher mentality in 2009.

Odds makers are calling the Browns 60/1 long-shots to win Super Bowl XLIV. They also give Cleveland 25/1 odds to win the AFC and 11/1 odds to win the extremely tough AFC North Division.

The Browns didn't make a lot of noise in the free agency, but multiple moves on draft day allowed them to land the best center prospect in Alex Mack, receivers Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massquoi, as well as a very good defensive
player in David Veikune. Cleveland feels Veikune can play linebacker in their 3-4 scheme.

The biggest question mark for the Browns heading into 2009 is at the quarterback position. Mangini has two starting caliber quarterbacks on the roster with Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn fighting for the job. Their new head coach has said that the two players will be in an open competition for the starting role in training camp.

Cleveland has talent on both sides of the ball, but there is too much uncertainty for prognosticators to feel comfortable picking the Browns to win anything. They should be a lot better in 2009 if coach Mangini can get his players to buy-in to his coaching style.

I think the Browns will surprise some people in the upcoming season, they will fall short of the playoffs though. Expect Cleveland to finish at 7-9 or even 8-8 in 2009, 2010 may be their year to make a run at the post-season.