2 Different Recent Lists Do Not Have High Hopes For Browns, Spencer Fano In 2026

As the NFL regular season becomes more and more in view, certain media outlets will put out preseason lists. You know, top quarterbacks, who are the best EDGE rushers, who will have the most receiving targets, and so on.

This is football. It is a game designed to be followed by numbers and stats, so, creative lists become the latest doodle during mid-week until the next preseason game is played.

RELATED: BROWNS O-LINE TAPPED FOR IMPROVEMENT

Recently, in the realm of mid-week lists, we want to share two recent lists that you might have missed. No drum roll necessary.

The NFL has several individual awards. Last year, two Cleveland Browns went home with mantle hardware. DE Myles Garrett won his second “NFL Defensive Player of the Year” trophy. Rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger then took home the “NFL Rookie Defensive Player of the Year” distinction.

Thank you, Jim Schwartz.

Preseason NFL “Protector of the Year” favorites

Last year was the first time the NFL officially recognized the service of the offensive line. They presented the very first “NFL Protector of the Year” award, which Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney won the maiden honor.

Vegas has dropped the odds on the offensive lineman who should win this year’s award. Detroit Lions OT Penei Sewell is the frontrunner at 9-2 odds, followed by a player Cleveland passed on way back in 2020, Tristan Wirfs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, at 9-1.

The Vegas list has 46 players listed. Browns rookie Spencer Fano is ranked #45 at 80-1 odds. No other Cleveland offensive linemen are enumerated.

There have been plenty of efforts by different organizations to give the offensive line some recognition. Just not sanctioned by the NFL.

“Outstanding Blocker of the Year” Award

1964 to 1977  

From: National 1,000-Yard Club

Browns: 1968 OG Gene Hickerson

“Offensive Lineman of the Year” Award

1967 to 1999

From: NFLPA

Browns: (none)

“Forrest Gregg Award”

1970 to 1982

From: PFWA Wisconsin Chapter

Browns: (none)

“Offensive Lineman of the Year” Award

1973 to 1984

From: Football Digest

Browns: (none)

“Offensive Lineman of the Year” Award

1967 to 1999

From: NFLPA

Browns: (none)

Seagram’s Seven Crowns “Offensive Lineman of the Year” Award

1974 to 1986

From: Seagram’s 7 Crown

Browns: (none)

NFL Alumni “Offensive Lineman of the Year” Award

1982 to 2010

From: NFL Alumni

Browns: (none)

“Modern Valuable Protectors” Award (team award)

2009 to 2012

From: EA Sports Madden

Browns: (none)

“Bruce Matthews Award”

2015 to 2024

From: NFLPA

Browns: Joe Thomas (2015), Mitchell Schwartz (Chiefs: 2018)

“NFL Protector of the Year” Award

2025 to current

From: NFL

Browns: (none)

The second list comes from “The Athletic.”  

An article written by Austin Mock gave predictions for all 16 AFC teams as far as projected win totals. This conference is full of great passers and decorated franchises.

Mock created the “NFL Projection Model” to forecast win totals. He does not show that any club will reach the 11-win plateau, and 11 different teams are pegged to win at least eight. Here is how he predicted the AFC North Division.

#1 Baltimore Ravens: 10.9 wins, 73% playoff chance, 7.4% Super Bowl odds

#4 Cincinnati Bengals: 10.3 wins, 64.8% playoff chance, 4.0% Super Bowl odds

#10 Pittsburgh Steelers: 8.4 wins, 41% playoff chance, 1.6% Super Bowl odds

#15 Cleveland Browns: 5.3 wins, 10.7% playoff chance, 0.1% Super Bowl odds