Guardians Are Out But Believeland Still Has Its Division-Leading Browns To Get Behind

This article was written by Gigi Di Domenico and published on Sport & State, a new media company founded by Clay Travis that is built around sports, culture, original voices, and live conversation.
* * * * *

CLEVELAND — The Guardians’ season is over, but Cleveland has another team giving fans a reason to pay attention. The Browns are 4-2 and sitting atop the AFC North, their best position this late in a season since 2014. For a fan base that has seen its share of heartbreak, that is no small thing. Now, with a trip to Nashville to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, the Browns have a chance to show that this start is for real.

The Focus Shifts to the Browns

Cleveland fans know better than to get ahead of themselves. Six games into the season, there is still plenty of football left to play. But after years of frustration, being at the top of the division in October gives the city something to get behind.

The Browns have found ways to win, even when the offense has made things difficult. Sunday’s 13-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens was another example. It was a physical, low-scoring game that came down to execution, and Cleveland came out on top. The defense continues to set the tone, giving the Browns a chance to compete even when points are hard to come by.

Head coach Todd Monken knows that is the kind of football his team can play.

“Until we get things squared away offensively, every game is going to be a scratch and claw like this,” Monken said after the game. “And I love that type of game with the guys we have. We’re wired for that. Our guys are wired for that. Now I prefer the other, but we’re more wired for that. And, man, it’s so cool.”

Todd Monken is right where he wants to be. ????

????️ Fanta in 60 on NBC Sports YouTube https://t.co/p18zW1MjrD

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 20, 2026

The quote says a lot about this team’s identity. The Browns are not always going to win pretty, and Monken knows the offense still has work to do. But a team that can grind out close games has a chance to stay competitive while it figures things out. That will matter as the schedule gets tougher and the pressure to hold onto first place builds.

The Next Test: Nashville

Next up is Tennessee. The Browns travel to Nissan Stadium on Sunday to take on the Titans. Playing on the road brings its own challenges, even against a team with a 1-5 record like Tennessee, and Cleveland cannot afford to let a strong start turn into a missed opportunity.

The defense has been a major reason for the Browns’ success. With 19 sacks, ranking second in the NFL, Cleveland has consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks and made life difficult for offenses. That physical style has helped the team win close games, but the offense will need to do its part if the Browns want to keep climbing.

can’t beat a beautiful day in front of the #DawgPound! https://t.co/WmUppc2xUp

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 21, 2026

Meanwhile, Deshaun Watson showed both promise and room for improvement against Baltimore, throwing for 164 yards while adding 29 on the ground. His connection with Jerry Jeudy helped set up Cleveland’s game-winning field goal, but five sacks highlighted the offense’s ongoing struggles. Heading into Sunday’s matchup with Tennessee, the question is whether Watson can build on those late-game moments and deliver more consistent production.

The Baltimore win showed what Cleveland can do in a defensive battle. Sunday’s matchup offers another test. Can the Browns keep applying pressure, make enough plays on offense, and leave Nashville with another win? Those are the kinds of questions that will help determine whether this 4-2 start becomes something bigger.

For now, Cleveland is in a position it has not experienced this late in the season since 2014. The Browns are leading the AFC North, the defense is making plays, and fans have a reason to believe that this team could be different.

The Guardians’ season may be finished, but football has taken over Cleveland. Believeland has something to cheer for again.