In April before the draft, I picked the Cleveland Browns to go 4-12. I’ve seen nothing in preseason to make me change that pick. The Browns are trying to win in an era of offense with a conservative approach and a defense that has yet to prove it is truly dominant. Mike Pettine's theme before training camp began was "words into action." If the Browns put their words to action on the field and prove me wrong, then credit to them. Right now I see a tough season ahead.

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

Some might say the Browns benefited from Jets quarterback Geno Smith taking a punch to the jaw. I say that made things more difficult. Ryan Fitzpatrick is more experienced, knows the offense better and will play better in the opener than Smith would have. It’s also tough to see the Jets' secondary being overly worried about the Browns' passing game. Score: Jets 16, Browns 6. Record: 0-1.

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

Marcus Mariota makes any game interesting, but he’s still going to go through rookie growing pains. The Browns win their home opener. Score: Browns 23, Titans 14. Record: 1-1.

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

I see the Raiders as one of the most improved teams in the league. Joe Thomas told teammates last season that Khalil Mack was the best defensive player he has seen in his career. The Oakland offense has added receiver Amari Cooper, the defense is better and quarterback Derek Carr should be better as well. Score: Raiders 20, Browns 14. Record: 1-2.

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

On the road to face Philip Rivers, probably the most underrated excellent quarterback of this generation? Not going to happen. Rivers puts the Chargers at a different level than the Browns. Score: Chargers 27, Browns 20. Record: 1-3.

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

As I said in April, when it comes to the Ravens, the Browns are like Sisyphus pushing the rock uphill. The rock again falls short, especially on the road. Score: Ravens 24, Browns 16. Record: 1-4.

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

San Diego, Baltimore and Denver is a tough three-game stretch, especially with Peyton Manning quarterbacking the third team. This is not a tough pick. Score: Broncos 27, Browns 13. Record: 1-5.

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

The Rams have a new quarterback and running back, and they are dealing with an uncertain future in St. Louis. Cleveland knows succeeding in that setting is a difficult proposition. Score: Browns 17, Rams 16. Record: 2-5.

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

Bruce Arians was twice (mistakenly) passed over when the Browns hired coaches. He will want to win this game. Badly. And he has a better team. Score: 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. Score: Bengals 21, Browns 3. Record: 2-7.

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

Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell, Antonio Brown & Co. are simply too good and too prolific. Score: Steelers 30, Browns 20. 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, because the NFL gave the Browns the team they just can’t seem to find a way to beat. Baltimore has won 13 of the past 14 games between the teams. Score: Ravens 20, Browns 19. Record: 2-9.

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

The Browns usually beat the Bengals once. They will win this season at home, though if Cincinnati is in the playoff hunt this result could easily flip. I’m going with the Browns. Score: Browns 21, Bengals 20. Record: 3-9.

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

The Browns always have one surprise at home. This will be it. And it will give them a two-game winning streak, which will generate the annual "something to build on for next year" discussions. Score: Browns 20, 49ers 19. Record: 4-9.

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

On the road in December in the toughest stadium in the league? Sorry. Not happening against that defense and an offense that now includes Jimmy Graham. Score: 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 running back Jamaal Charles, one of the better coaches in the league, and a great home-field advantage. Score: Chiefs 10, Browns 9. Record: 4-11.

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

The Steelers will be playing for playoff positioning; the Browns will be playing out the string. Score: Steelers 21, Browns 7. Record: 4-12.