It is officially Week 1 around the NFL and the best time of the year. The Cleveland Browns are entering a big season with legitimate expectations that need to be reached.

Cleveland opens up their season on Sunday when they host the Cincinnati Bengals. Interestingly enough, the Browns will play three of their first four games against the AFC North.

Before the season starts, it’s time for some last-minute predictions. I see these three things for the Browns happening in 2023.

Myles Garrett is DPOY

Adding a Defensive Player of the Year to his resume would only strengthen Garrett’s Hall of Fame trajectory. He’s well on his way to ending up in Canton, that would only help his cause.

Garrett has had 16 sacks for each of the last two seasons and last season he did it with minimal pass-rushing help. Jadeveon Clowney totaled just two sacks opposite of him and simply had to be replaced. Cleveland has overhauled the defensive line and brought in a coordinator who loves to unleash the defensive line with Jim Schwartz.

With Dalvin Tomlinson and Za’Darius Smith on the roster, as well as Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Garrett is going to get fewer double-team matchups. That factor alone should raise Garrett’s ability to get after the quarterback.

Garrett is going to need to be in the range of at least 18 sacks to win DPOY, which would be a career-high for him. If he is going to win this award, this should be the year.

David Njoku sets a career-high in yardage

Throughout training camp, Njoku has been essentially unguardable. It wouldn’t be a shock if that extends into a big season for Njoku. Cleveland’s top tight end had 628 yards last season in two fewer games than in 2018 when he totaled 639.

Expect Njoku to be a big target for Deshaun Watson — especially in the red zone to be exact — they showed that off against the Kansas City Chiefs about a week ago.

When it comes to physical makeup and athleticism, Njoku may be the best at his position. He’s fixed the drop problems he once had and is a weapon. Don’t be surprised if he’s Cleveland’s second or third-leading receiver in 2023 with at least 700 yards.

Browns reach the playoffs via wildcard

The AFC is going to be a gauntlet. You have your powers in the Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills, as well as the Cincinnati Bengals who are the favorite to win the AFC North. Then, teams like the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens are competing as well. The Jacksonville Jaguars have to be taken seriously now and the Los Angeles Chargers should be pretty good.

Cleveland’s route to the playoffs is the wildcard in 2023 unless they surpass a lot of people and win the division. After finishing last in the division last year, they would have to go from worst to first.

For this current regime under Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski, they have to reach the playoffs this year. All of the pieces are in place and there are no glaring holes on the team. If they don’t reach the playoffs, one or both will be replaced.

Expect the Browns to be playing past Week 18. 

Browns injury updates heading into crucial start to the 2023 season

Plenty of injury updates to go over here for the Cleveland Browns.

Featured image via Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports.