Are the 5-2 Cleveland Browns for real, according to Pardon My Take?

Pardon My Take's hosts said the 5-2 Browns are not frauds but are not that good either. They compared watching Cleveland to betting red at roulette and watching red keep hitting: thrilling, but not something to expect forever. Deshaun Watson has led a game-winning drive in each of the five wins, including the 27-24 win over Tennessee, and a soft schedule could still make them a playoff team.

Only Matthew Stafford in 2016 and Troy Aikman in 1990 also had five game-winning drives in a team's first five wins of a season.
Watson threw for 300 yards for the first time since week 17 of 2020.
A win over the Steelers next week would put Cleveland two games up in the AFC North.

▸In their words

“Because it's Cleveland Browns in the playoffs.” Hank · at 1:16:08 — open in the transcript →

Source: our own transcription of the episode. The full conversation is on Pardon My Take (2026-10-26). Read the whole episode summary →

▸More from this episode

Q1Why does Pardon My Take think the Minnesota Vikings' 6-0 start is not a fluke?Q2What did Pardon My Take say about Dan Campbell going for it on his own 24 against the Packers?Q3How did Pardon My Take explain the New York Giants' week 7 upset of the Houston Texans?Q5What did Pardon My Take say about the Ravens blowing a 13-0 halftime lead to the Bengals?Q6Why does Pardon My Take call the Milwaukee Brewers the best team in baseball?Q7What is Pardon My Take's problem with baseball's check-swing replay system?

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