Browns Fans Won’t Like Nick Wright’s Prediction

Predictions week continued across sports television this week, and First Things First host Nick Wright used his platform to lay out his projected order for every division heading into the 2026 season. The AFC North breakdown, in particular, did not do Cleveland any favors. Wright placed the Browns dead last in the division, a projection that came paired with criticism of the quarterback room.

Wright did not hold back when explaining exactly where he sees the Browns landing this season.

“At No. 4, I also have Cleveland. I think they’re going to be 4-13. I think it’s the worst quarterback situation in the NFL. I think we can just move on from them. I’d be very surprised if they get to six wins. I have them winning four games,” Wright said.

.@getnickwright: “Coming in 2nd but winning only 9 games and missing the playoffs is the Cincinnati Bengals.”@Chris_Broussard: “Dare I say it Nick, you think they’re gonna be some breakdancers?”

The breakdancers pulled up for Nick’s AFC North picks 😭🕺 pic.twitter.com/dXSqzCxtIA

— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) September 2, 2026

Wright predicted the Ravens would win the division and be the No. 1 seed in the AFC. He also predicted the Bengals would come in second in the division while winning only 9 games and missing the playoffs. He believes the Steelers will finish 6-11 and that Aaron Rodgers won’t finish the year as the starting quarterback.

Where Wright’s prediction gets difficult to agree on is the defensive side of the ball. Cleveland enters 2026 with a unit that returns Defensive Rookie of the Year winner Carson Schwesinger, adds Jared Verse after the blockbuster trade that sent Myles Garrett to the Rams, and still has Denzel Ward anchoring the secondary. Mason Graham continues developing up front as well, giving new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg a genuinely talented group to work with in his first season calling plays. A 4-win season would require that defense to significantly underperform, something that seems less likely given the pieces currently in place.

Predictions this early in the season are often more about generating headlines, and Wright’s history of bold takes is well documented across sports media.