Would NFL Fans Want To See A Super Bowl Matchup Featuring Browns?
The stage is set. Super Wild Card Weekend kicks off this weekend with 14 teams looking to punch a ticket to Las Vegas for Super Bowl 58. This year's playoff field includes the Cleveland Browns, back in the playoffs for just the third time this century.
Of course the Cleveland faithful hope their team can continue a magical run to the big game with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, while fan bases of other postseason teams have allegiances of their own to think about.
But what Super Bowl matchup should NFL fans be rooting for?
Anthony Moeglin: Browns vs. Cowboys
The easy answer here is Browns vs. Lions but if there was a good second place, this would be my vote. The Cowboys are playing as good of football as anyone in the NFL and this could be the year the Cowboys return to prominence. The buildup and storylines into that week would be second to none. The Cowboys chance to be champions again, Joe Flacco's return to the Super Bowl, the Browns' first championship since the return. This would be an amazing buildup to an amazing game, one that Cleveland would match up very, very well in.
Anthony Poisal: Browns vs. Lions
This matchup couldn't provide a much better script compared to the other possibilities in play — it features two teams who have been ravaged by misfortunes and losing seasons for several generations. Regardless of whether fans believed he was "elite" in his prime years, Joe Flacco has created an all-time comeback story, while Jared Goff and Dan Campbell are one of the most likable QB-coach duos in the league. Cleveland's and Detroit's fanbases meeting in Las Vegas presents a whole other intriguing Midwest wrinkle into why this matchup would be unforgettable.
Spencer German: Browns vs. Buccaneers
The Buccaneers limped their way into the postseason needing three field goals to beat the lowly Panthers and win the NFC South. They have some serious offensive deficiencies, including being the worst rushing unit in the game. BUT, if somehow Baker Mayfield found a way to channel his inner Tom Brady and take Tampa Bay on a magical run, who wouldn't want to see a Browns-Bucs Super Bowl on Feb. 11? After Mayfield's ugly split with the Browns nearly two years ago, he gained a lot of supporters both in Cleveland and elsewhere. This matchup would set the stage for Mayfield to exact some revenge on the biggest stage, while the Browns look to validate the fact that they moved on from the former No. 1 overall pick. What's more, for this to happen it would mean a continuation of Flacco's incredible story that's captivating NFL fans. From his couch-to-Super Bowl Champion, taking down the Browns "ex-QB" along the way. Sign me up.
