Reasons you should watch all 8 of the Browns' remaining games

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Remember two months ago when you thought the Browns would be coming out of the bye week ready to push for a playoff spot and maybe even a division title? Those were the days.

There are eight games after the bye and, be honest, you're going to watch them. In case you were wavering, though, and needed a reason, here are reasons to watch all eight of the remaining Browns contests.

Week 11: at New Orleans The Browns might have a real chance to win this game. The Saints fired head coach Dennis Allen on Monday and, after starting 2-0, have lost seven straight. They host the Falcons this week before welcoming the Browns.

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Derek Carr is back at quarterback after missing three games, but the Saints still lost his return last week to the Bryce Young-led Carolina Panthers.

This will also mark Jameis Winston's return to New Orleans, where he spent the last four seasons. The Saints' defense isn't exactly a juggernaut and they just traded away cornerback Marshon Lattimore .

Plus, Kevin Stefanski is 3-1 following the bye as Browns coach.

How many opportunities like this are really left? And, if you're really thinking about the future, how many more opportunities like this do you really want?

Week 12 (Thursday): vs. Pittsburgh It's Browns vs. Steelers and even if one of the teams is essentially out of the race, you still have to watch this matchup. Plus, if the Browns do take care of business in New Orleans, you might be in the mood to talk yourself into some crazy stuff if they can turn around and win for the second time in four days and get to 4-7. So you're telling me there's a chance? (I'm not, but what are you telling yourself?)

Stefanski is 4-0 on Thursday night football, including a win over the Steelers back in 2022, a few days off that devastating Jets loss.

Week 13 (Monday): at Denver Winston vs. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix might make Troy Aikman's head explode, if this game even remains on Monday Night Football. Beyond that, it's hard to find a lot of reasons to tune into this one other than some cool shots of the Rocky Mountains.

It's a flex candidate if the powers-that-be can find an acceptable replacement, but for now the Browns will hit the road with 11 days rest to face a very good Broncos defense in prime time - they're Top 10 in Defensive DVOA and Top 10 across the board in total yards, passing yards and rushing yards allowed per game.

Week 14: at Pittsburgh We'll be a week into the new edition of in-season Hard Knocks featuring the AFC North and this is the lone division game on the calendar leading into the second episode. The Browns and Steelers will be heavily featured in this episode and it's your chance to get ahead in the series a little and see what's coming. (Look, we're really stretching at this point.)

Week 15: vs. Kansas City It's weird to say this about a currently-undefeated team, but they aren't quite the juggernaut they've been in years past. They just know how to win. And have a really good defense. And Patrick Mahomes. You'll want to watch Mahomes.

This also marks the return home of Travis Kelce and Kareem Hunt.

Taylor Swift will have been a week removed from wrapping the latest leg of her Eras tour and will be itching to take a tour of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this weekend. (Stop by the Science Center while you're there, Taylor, and add in a trip through the William G. Mather.)

Week 16 (Thursday): at Cincinnati It's the chance to potentially play spoiler if the Bengals can continue a surge back into the playoff picture. They could also be out of it by Week 16, but, if not, this could be a very important game for Cincinnati's future.

A quick week turnaround is not going to be fun coming off a physical matchup with the Chiefs and the Browns will simply be playing for pride.

Hey, at least mess stuff up on your way out the door.

Week 17: vs. Miami It's another flex candidate. Miami, currently 2-6, is probably done but also just got Tua Tagovailoa back, so maybe they can fight back into the wild card race. That still probably wouldn't be enough to keep this on Sunday night.

The Browns secondary tends to get up for matchups like this, so seeing them go against the speed in the Dolphins' receiving corps might be interesting.

Week 18 (TBD): at Baltimore This is the last time you'll see the Browns play a real game until September. You've been through this before. Remember when you watched Connor Shaw start a season finale in Baltimore? You can do this.

The real action starts after the game. We'll find out if there are changes in store for the Browns. It has been a while since the Haslams spoke after the last game, but we'll keep an eye on that, too. Locker cleanout will happen on Monday and then it's on to the next phase - potential changes, gearing up for free agency and arguing over who to pick in the first round.

Might as well squeeze in one last football game first.