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) /

5 of 5

CLEVELAND, OHIO – DECEMBER 14: Wide receiver Jarvis Landry #80 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 14, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

1. Cleveland Browns must-win games – Vs. Baltimore Ravens

The key to the Browns’ chances of a deep January run is to get a home playoff game for the first time since the franchise’s rebirth in 1999. Winning the AFC North would be the key to that and taking down the Baltimore Ravens is the most important thing Cleveland has to do this season.

Baltimore swept both meetings with the Browns a year ago, including an epic defeat on Monday Night Football in December that was the NFL’s Game of the Year. Cleveland has had recent success against the Ravens, splitting the season series in 2019, but there is no doubt that Baltimore is the biggest obstacle to the Browns’ success in 2021.

The Ravens were clearly peaking at the end of 2020 as Lamar Jackson began to recapture his MVP form down the stretch. Cleveland will also need to find a way to put up big points on the Baltimore defense, a historically formidable unit.

Winning at M&T Bank Stadium is never easy so the onus for the Browns will be to find a way to knock off the Ravens in Cleveland. Doing that will help the Browns’ chances of winning the division, making it the most important game that Cleveland has to win this season.

Next. Top 10 Super Bowl 56 favorites. dark

Home/Cleveland Browns