Sports
CBS Sports analyst Danny Kanell has sparked debate after suggesting that the Cleveland Browns could win nine or even ten games in the 2025 NFL season.
The claim comes just days after the franchise named veteran quarterback Joe Flacco as the starter, capping off a crowded competition that included Shedeur Sanders, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Tyler Huntley.
Joe Flacco thinks beating Sanders for the Browns starting quarterback job is business as usual
Kanell argued that Cleveland‘s offensive system suits Flacco, describing it as a play-action, pocket-passing scheme that favors his skill set.
He highlighted how Sanders thrived in preseason within that structure, implying the 40-year-old signal caller could find similar success.
The analyst also pointed to rookie running back Dylan Sampson as a potential contributor should the team need depth in the backfield, particularly with uncertainty surrounding Quinshon Judkins.
On defense, Kanell emphasized Myles Garrett‘s continued presence as a cornerstone along with the addition of first-round draft pick Mason Graham, who could provide an immediate impact up front.
He concluded that the Browns‘ formula, strong defense combined with an offense reliant on play-action and the run game, could elevate them well beyond the modest expectations set by oddsmakers.
A divided reaction
Despite Kanell‘s optimism, public opinion has leaned sharply in the opposite direction. Betting markets have set Cleveland’s win total at just 4.5 for 2025, a figure reflecting little confidence in the roster’s ability to compete consistently.
Fans on social media quickly dismissed Kanell‘s projection, questioning where the nine or ten wins would realistically come from given the team’s recent history and upcoming schedule.
The skepticism stems from more than just statistics. Cleveland finished 2024 with a 3-14 record, and the offseason did not bring major acquisitions that might shift the outlook.
While Garrett remains an elite defensive presence and Graham carries promise, the roster still lacks the depth and star power associated with winning teams. Offensively, Flacco’s age raises questions about durability across a full season, while the long-term quarterback situation remains unsettled.
Many supporters view Sanders as the player most likely to eventually take over under center. Once considered a potential high draft pick, he slid to the fifth round before landing in Cleveland.
For now, the franchise appears committed to Flacco, though there is recognition that the younger options, including Gabriel, may represent the future.
The schedule only adds to the doubts. The Browns open the season against six consecutive opponents with playoff aspirations: the Bengals, Ravens, Packers, Lions, Vikings, and Steelers.
Early struggles could erase any momentum before the year develops, making Kanell’s double-digit win scenario difficult to envision.
For Cleveland, 2025 looks like another transitional campaign. The defense may keep games competitive, but expectations remain tempered by recent performance and a lack of proven offensive firepower.
Kanell’s prediction, while bold, stands in sharp contrast to the consensus around the league and the outlook from sportsbooks. Unless Flacco delivers a remarkable resurgence and several young players exceed projections, the Browns reaching nine or ten victories appears unlikely.
This news was originally published on this post .
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