Cleveland Browns 2021 NFL schedule: 5 must-win games

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 17: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns drops back to pass against the defense of the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 17, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 24: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers warms up before the NFC Championship game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lambeau Field on January 24, 2021, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

4. Cleveland Browns must-win games – At Green Bay Packers

Cleveland is slated to play the NFC North this season, providing Kevin Stefanski’s team a valuable opportunity to see how they stack up with one of the league’s elite teams. A road trip to Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers will be an important measuring stick to see how far along the road to true Super Bowl contention the Browns are.

The Packers have been one of the NFC’s top teams over the past two seasons, advancing to the NFC Championship Game each year before falling a game short of the Super Bowl. Aaron Rodgers is fresh off an MVP campaign and should provide a stiff test for the Cleveland defense.

This contest is one that few experts will pick the Browns to win if both teams are close to full strength. It is also the type of game that will draw a ton of national attention, something that Cleveland will have to get used to in order to win the types of high-pressure games necessary to play deep into January.

Finding a way to topple the Packers on their home turf would send a massive statement to the rest of the NFL that the Browns are for real. It isn’t as important for tiebreaking purposes but a win here would do wonders for Cleveland’s confidence.

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