New England Patriots 2021 Schedule: 5 must-win games

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 03: Jonathan Jones #31 of the New England Patriots reacts with his teammate softer making an interception in the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 17: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns signals his receivers to motion in the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Arrowhead Stadium on January 17, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

AFC North. player. 3. 53. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. . Cleveland Browns

There might be a team that didn’t improve more in free agency than the Cleveland Browns. Every decision made this offseason was to improve their defense. And in what could be a tight race for the wild card spot, New England might have to take down the Browns just to enter the chat.

This could be one of the primetime games on Sunday or Monday due to the history of the clubs. Since returning in 1999, Cleveland only has been a playoff team twice. More often than not, they’ve been pick No. 1 and rebuilding since Belichick’s arrival in Foxborough.

Keep in mind Belichick was also fired from the Browns in 1995. Doesn’t that look to be a mistake, huh?

The expectation is that Baker Mayfield can finally hit that next level with both sides of the ball being solidified. Depending on who is the starter for New England, this could have a multitude of outcomes based on the new additions found in Joe Woods’ defense. Newton struggled against top secondaries last season, but will Jones be ready?

New England’s defense will have to play lights out against the Browns’ offense. More than that, it could be a game they decide seeding in the playoffs. Overall though, it’s just a fun matchup between the former laughing stock of the NFL and the team that hopes to remain out of the cellar.

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