AFC North power rankings: Browns, Steelers to push Ravens?

2. Cleveland Browns

2019: 6-10 (3rd)

In terms of falling miles short of expectations, no team rivaled the shortcomings the Browns faced in 2019. After winning the offseason with the additions of stars such as Odell Beckham Jr., the Browns had to prove themselves on the field.

Instead of competing for the playoffs just a year after a solid 7-8-1 season, the Browns finished 6-10. All the positive signs that were shown in 2018, particularly the play of Baker Mayfield, were washed away in ’19.

Mayfield looked confused and uncomfortable all season, which resulted in an uptick in turnovers. Even with all the star power, Mayfield could not settle in under  Freddie Kitchens.

Yes, 2019 was full of negatives.

Now, here is why 2020 can be the exact opposite.

Kitchens was never the right option for the head coaching job. Now, Kevin Stefanski can teach Mayfield and help that offense reach its booming potential.

This offseason, Mayfield has been given tight end Austin Hooper and strong offensive line reinforcements with Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin. General manager Andrew Berry made it his priority to ensure Mayfield is in the best position to succeed.

Defensively, the team struggled last year as well, but the pieces are in place for that side to flourish with the likes of Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward. However, with a more efficient offense keeping them off the field, and the additions of players such as Karl Joseph, Grant Delpit, and B.J. Goodson, they will have depth and more talent on this side.

There is a lot of boom or bust here, and the boom is far larger than the potential the Steelers have for 2020. If Mayfield can erase last season from his memory and become the star the team picked him to be, this will be one of the more dangerous teams in the NFL with all of those weapons on offense.