Browns Projected to Lead NFL Defenses in Vital Statistical Category

The Cleveland Browns had one of the most feared defenses in the NFL last season, and that's largely in part to defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

Thanks to Schwartz and players like defensive end Myles Garrett, the Browns are once again projected to be one of the toughest defenses for opposing offensive coordinators to prepare for.

And Bleacher Report agrees as it projects Cleveland's defense to allow the fewest points, at 327.

"The Browns' defense was second to only the Ravens' with a minus-111.44 EPA (minus-6.55 per game) in 2023. We shouldn't expect much of a dip in 2024, as all eight defenders who played 600-plus snaps for Cleveland last season remain on the roster. That list includes Myles Garrett, Dalvin Tomlinson, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Grant Delpit, Juan Thornhill and the elite Denzel Ward/Martin Emerson Jr./Greg Newsome II CB trio.

"That group doesn't even mention standout edge rusher Za'Darius Smith or new off-ball linebacker Jordan Hicks, who joined the roster this offseason. This is an excellent defense."

Related: Where's Browns' Deshaun Watson Rank Among AFC North QBs?

The New York Jets are a close second at 339 and the San Francisco 49ers are third with 341.

By comparison, the Arizona Cardinals are projected to allow the most points by a defense with 443, followed by the Denver Broncos (423) and New York Giants (421).