The Cleveland Browns improved to 11-6 in 2023 after enduring consecutive disappointing campaigns in 2021 and 2022. The Browns successfully qualified for the playoffs, but the season was more of a rollercoaster than their record indicates. For 2024 to be considered a success, the Browns must compete for the postseason while watching Deshaun Watson truly establish himself as their franchise quarterback.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski deserves a ton of credit for navigating significant injuries last year. Superstar running back Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 2. The Browns also started five different quarterbacks throughout the season, the most by any team since the 1987 New England Patriots.

Watson first missed a Week 4 contest versus AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens with a shoulder injury. Watson didn't return to the lineup until Week 9. He suffered a season-ending shoulder injury the following week versus the Ravens (Week 10).

The Browns signed veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to their practice squad following Watson's injury. Flacco made his Browns debut in Week 13 and he'd become the unsung hero that salvaged their campaign. The Browns went 4-1 with him as their starter and advanced to the postseason, where the Houston Texans blew them out 45-14 in the wild-card round.

The focus shifts back to Watson now, who has not met expectations of his $230 million contract, which was a historically rich deal at the time of signing. In two seasons in Cleveland, Watson has appeared in just 12 regular-season contests. He's posted consecutive career-low marks in completion percentage and thrown just 14 touchdowns versus nine interceptions.

Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry have made changes to their offensive personnel and coaching staff with the hope of developing Watson into the quarterback they thought he'd be. Former Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey was hired as OC to replace Alex Van Pelt.

The Browns upgraded their pass-catching personnel when Jerry Jeudy was acquired from the Denver Broncos in a trade that netted Cleveland terrific value. Jeudy gives Watson an appropriate No. 2 receiver opposite Amari Cooper, who recently agreed to a restructured contract.

The offensive line has some question marks. Offensive tackles Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin could be entering their final seasons. Sophomore blocker Dawand Jones may supplant Conklin this season as the starting right tackle. Across the interior, Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller are entering their age-33 and 30 seasons, respectively. Former Michigan guard Zak Zinter was drafted in the third round.

Watson must take advantage of his favorable surroundings. If he disappoints again, it's difficult to imagine any franchise willingly trading for him, which qualifies as the Browns' only realistic exit strategy from his contract next summer. Outright releasing Watson would result in a dead cap charge of more than $100 million, according to Over The Cap.

If the offense struggles, the Browns will have faith in their defense. They allowed a league-low 270.2 yards per contest last season under the guise of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. All keynote players return, with Myles Garrett being an annual Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Jordan Hicks, Nathaniel Watson, and Michael Hall Jr. join a deep defense as new reinforcements.

The Browns haven't won their division since 1989. In 2024, Stefanski's squad will attempt to make consecutive postseason appearances for the first time since 1988 and 1989. The Browns possess a deep roster that's capable of being legitimate contenders in the AFC playoff picture. Watson's form will ultimately determine their fate.