The Browns may answer their quarterback question by opening day, but as of today it’s a black hole that still needs filling. The lack of a potent offense in an era of offense and a difficult schedule means the Browns will take steps back this season.

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13, at New York Jets, 1 p.m.

The Jets, like the Browns, are trying to win this season with defense. These offenses may have folks switching to Hulu by the second quarter. New York’s secondary is too talented for a Browns offense trying to piece itself together, especially in the first week. Jets 9, Browns 6. Record: 0-1.

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20, Tennessee, 1 p.m.

This game will be more interesting if Tennessee drafts Marcus Mariota. The Browns had the greatest road comeback in NFL history last season, but they won’t need that this season. This is a team they should handle. Browns 23, Titans 14. Record: 1-1.

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27, Oakland, 1 p.m.

Joe Thomas told teammates last season that Khalil Mack was the best defensive player he’s seen in his career. The Raiders have improved the defense, and Derek Carr should be better as well. Raiders 24, Browns 3. Record: 1-2.

Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4, at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.

Philip Rivers is probably the most underrated excellent quarterback of this generation. He puts the Chargers at a different level than the Browns. Chargers 24, Browns 13. Record: 1-3.

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 11, at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Second half of tough back-to-back road trips. The Browns always seem to find a way to lose to the Ravens. They’re like Sisyphus pushing the rock uphill. The rock again falls short, especially on the road. Ravens 24, Browns 16. Record: 1-4.

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18, Denver, 1 p.m.

San Diego, Baltimore and Denever in a row is a tough three games. Figure in Peyton Manning, then Josh McCown. Josh McCown. Peyton Manning. Broncos 27, Browns 13. Record: 1-5.

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25, at St. Louis, 1 p.m.

The Rams are an underrated team growing into a good team. However, they have to play the season under the specter that it will be their last in St. Louis. Cleveland knows that’s a difficult proposition. Browns 17, Rams 16. Record: 2-5.

Week 8: Sunday, Nov. 1, Arizona, 1 p.m.

Bruce Arians is the coach the Browns should have hired, twice. If there is one game he’ll want to win, it’s this one. Cardinals 19, Browns 9. Record: 2-6.

Week 9: Thursday, Nov. 5, at Cincinnati, 8:25 p.m.

Cleveland won in Cincinnati last season. It won’t happen two years in a row, especially after the way the Bengals embarrassed the Browns late in 2014. Bengals 21, Browns 3. Record: 2-7.

Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 15, at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Tough division stretch. Tough stretch even if it wasn’t in the division. Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown and company are simply too good. Even for the Browns' secondary. Steelers 30, Browns 13. Record: 2-8.

Week 11: Bye.

Week 12: Monday, Nov. 30, Baltimore, 8:30 p.m.

The league did the Browns a favor with the Monday night game at home. They didn’t help with the opponent. It’s impossible to pick the Browns until they stop doing the things that beat themselves against the Ravens. Ravens 20, Browns 10. Record: 2-9.

Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6, Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

The Browns usually find a way to win one of these games. They’ll do this one at home, with Josh McCown starting. Browns 21, Bengals 13. Record: 3-9.

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13, San Francisco, 1 p.m.

Tough call. San Francisco would seem to have the edge at several spots, but the 49ers also are a team in transition. The Browns always have one surprise at home. This will be it. And it will give the Browns a two-game winning streak. Browns 20, 49ers 19. Record: 4-9.

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 20, at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.

On the road in the toughest stadium in the league? Sorry. Not happening agains that defense and that offense that now includes Jimmy Graham. Seahawks 31, Browns 3. Record: 4-10.

Week 16: Sunday Dec. 27, at Kansas City, 1 p.m.

The Chiefs' roster is not overly impressive, but it does have Jamaal Charles, one of the better coaches in the league, and a great home field advantage. Chiefs 10, Browns 9. Record: 4-11.

Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3, Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

The league returns to the season finale against Pittsburgh, a game that has not treated the Browns well. The Steelers will be playing for playoff positioning; the Browns will be playing out the string. Steelers 21, Browns 13. Record: 4-12.