The NFL unveiled its full slate of 256 regular season games Thursday evening, so — with Week 1 now 128 days away — we're breaking down some of our most exciting matchups of the Browns season.
Weeks 1 and 14 - Baltimore Ravens
The season opener AND Monday Night Football against a division rival in the same season? It doesn't get much better.
The Ravens retained nearly all of the talent that carried them to the top of AFC North last season and will likely be the toughest divisional opponent yet again.
Both matchups will be crucial for the Browns, who did manage to slow down reigning league-MVP Lamar Jackson in Week 4 on the road last season. Then, Jackson ran for 103 yards and passed for 238 yards in Week 16 against a Garrett-less Browns defense. Will Garrett's return be the key to slowing down Jackson?
Week 2 – Thursday Night Football at FirstEnergy Stadium vs. Bengals
The Browns will have their first matchup against Joe Burrow, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2020 draft, in Week 2 during Thursday Night Football at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals could be the NFL's most improved team after being one of the league's biggest spenders in free agency and adding key players on both sides of the ball.
Bengals running back Joe Mixon also ran for over 140 yards in both games against the Browns last season, but Myles Garrett was not on the field. Will Garrett's presence have an impact on both Burrow and Mixon's production? We'll find out early in the season.
The Browns' 2020 regular-season schedule has been released. Check out how the season unfolds with this photo gallery
Browns 2020 Schedule
Browns 2020 Schedule
Browns 2020 Schedule
Browns 2020 Schedule
Browns 2020 Schedule
Browns 2020 Schedule
Browns 2020 Schedule
Browns 2020 Schedule
Browns 2020 Schedule
Browns 2020 Schedule
Browns 2020 Schedule
Browns 2020 Schedule
Browns 2020 Schedule
Browns 2020 Schedule
Browns 2020 Schedule
Browns 2020 Schedule
Browns 2020 Schedule
Week 4 – at Dallas
This is arguably the most exciting matchup the Browns will have among their NFC East opponents this season. Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb, one of the top receivers of the 2020 draft class, will be one of the toughest receiver duos Browns cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams face all season.
Browns linebackers, meanwhile, will face an equally tall test against Ezekiel Elliott. The four-year veteran has already made three Pro Bowl appearances and finished fourth in the league with 1,357 rushing yards last season. The Browns are set to carry plenty of youth at the linebacker position, so Elliott will be a great test at the cohesiveness of the unit.
Week 13 – at Tennessee
The Titans spoiled the Browns' much anticipated Week 1 home opener last season. Now, Cleveland will go into Nashville looking for some revenge in a game that could have big implications in the AFC playoff race.
Derrick Henry eclipsed Nick Chubb by 46 rushing yards for the NFL's rushing title last season. Two of the AFC's toughest backs will meet again in Week 13, and this matchup could come down to whichever back inflicts the most damage in the ground game.
Week 17 – Pittsburgh at home in the season finale
Pittsburgh is banking on Ben Roethlisberger, who's 38 and played in just two games last season after undergoing elbow surgery, to take them back to the playoffs. The Steelers will also get back running back James Conner and wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster, who each only played in one game against the Browns last season.
The Browns have ended nine of their past 13 seasons against the Steelers. Both teams expect to have big things on line when they close the regular season. If that comes true, this could be one of the biggest games in recent years.
