Not too long ago, losing to the Browns was considered one of the greatest sins in the NFL. Now, for many opponents, it’s inevitable. The Browns have vaulted from 0-16 to Super Bowl-contender status.
Unlike the Bears, who visit Cleveland on Sunday, the Browns have climbed steadily from 2017 — when they were as forlorn as an expansion team. That was the year they drafted All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett first overall and Bears general manager Ryan Pace traded three mid-round picks for the right to move from No. 3 to 2 to take quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
Garrett, with 42œ sacks his first four seasons, became a franchise pillar and signed a nine-figure deal through 2026.