The last time the Browns played on Thanksgiving Day, you could buy an upper level ticket for $18. Will they return to the traditional Turkey Day lid-lifter in 2025?
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
How ‘bout a mock?
Our third annual schedule mock – yes, it’s become tradition -- bridges the gap to the official NFL schedule release at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Last year, the Browns’ opener at home against the Dallas Cowboys was released in the days prior to the full schedule release. This year, we know the Browns will play in London on Week 5, October 5, against the Minnesota Vikings.
So, like last year, we will get at least one game correct.
Did we get any other games right on the mark last season?
Um, no. But we came close.
We pegged New York Giants in Cleveland for Week 4; they arrived in Week 3.
We mocked Cleveland at Philadelphia for Week 7; the game was played Week 6.
We projected the Browns’ bye week for Week 9; the real one was scheduled for Week 10.
Without further ado, we try again to nail at least one game correctly on the 2025 schedule.
Week 1: At Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, September 7, 1 p.m.
Joe Flacco has started only one game in Baltimore since he left the Ravens. That came in the 2021 season opener with the Jets. Flacco had 59 pass attempts and put a TD on the board in the final minute of a 24-9 loss. A victory over the Ravens in Baltimore would help complete his career.
Week 2: Home v. Tennessee Titans, Sunday, September 14, 1 p.m.
An early look at Cam Ward, the 2025 No. 1 pick. Also, a good test to unleash the Mason Graham-Myles Garrett tandem at the refurbished Bill Callahan offensive line.
Week 3: At Chicago Bears, Sunday, September 21, 1 p.m.
Can new coach Ben Johnson have Caleb Williams turned around this early?
Week 4: Home v. San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, September 28, 4:30 p.m.
Networks do 49ers a favor by moving this game into late afternoon slot.
Week 5: Home (in London) v. Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, October 5, 9:30 a.m.
A rematch of the Browns’ last game in London in 2018, when Hue Jackson piloted the Browns to a 0-16 season and Kevin Stefanski was Vikings QB coach.
Week 6: Bye week, October 12.
It’s early, but it’s a good time to reassess the QB situation. I wouldn’t expect a change in QBs if the Browns are around the .500 mark.
Week 7: At Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, October 19, 4:30 p.m.
Viva Las Vegas. Bellagio Bob, here we come.
Week 8: Home v. Pittsburgh Steelers, Thursday, October 23, 8:30 p.m.
Any division game at home in prime time is a gift from the schedule-makers.
Week 9: Home v Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, November 2, 1 p.m.
A mini-bye after an early Week 6 full bye is not preferable. Carry on.
Week 10: At New York Jets, Sunday, November 9, 1 p.m.
Always a lovely trip to Newark airport and short Uber ride down the Jersey turnpike to the beautiful Meadowlands.
Week 11: Home v. Miami Dolphins, Sunday, November 16, 1 p.m.
I just think the Dolphins are such a meh opponent. It doesn’t matter when they come to Cleveland.
Week 12: At New England Patriots, Sunday, November 23, 1 p.m.
Mike Vrabel’s new team could be in the playoff chase at this point.
Week 13: At Detroit Lions, Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1 p.m.
Yes, the Browns return to the Thanksgiving Day dinner table for the first time since 1989. Traditional 12:30 p.m. kickoff for this game has been moved to 1 p.m. Turducken and tryptophan for everybody.
Week 14: Home v. Green Bay Packers, Sunday, December 7, 1 p.m.
The mini-bye preceding this game will be well appreciated.
Week 15: At Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, December 14, 1 p.m.
Could Will Howard be quarterbacking the Steelers by this game?
Week 16: Home v. Buffalo Bills, Sunday, December 21, 1 p.m.
A Lake Erie blizzard follows the Bills down I-90. This game deserves to be played in a snow globe.
Week 17: At Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, December 28, 1 p.m.
Bengals will be making their belated playoff push.
Week 18: Home v. Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, January 4, 1 p.m.
Anybody’s guess as to whom will be under center for the Browns for this one.