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The 5 most anticipated games on the Cleveland Browns' 2019 schedule

Following the emergence of Baker Mayfield and acquisition of Odell Beckham Jr., the Cleveland Browns' 2019 schedule isn't short on high profile matchups.

CLEVELAND -- On Wednesday, the NFL announced its schedule for the 2019 regular season, including a primetime-heavy slate for the Cleveland Browns.

And while the emergence of Baker Mayfield and addition of Odell Beckham Jr. means that every Browns game this season should possess plenty of excitement, some stand out above the rest.

Between their nationally televised outings, division rivalry games and newfound quarterback battles, there is no shortage of storylines to be found on Cleveland's 2019 schedule. But which five games are already receiving the most hype?

Let's take a look:

5. Oct. 13 vs. Seattle Seahawks

As he prepared to enter the league of the shorter side of traditional quarterbacks, one of the more favorable comparisons Mayfield tended to draw was that of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.

In Week 6, the two will go head to head.

Although it's not one of Cleveland's four primetime matchups, the Browns' 1 p.m. kickoff against the Seahawks in mid-October should attract plenty of attention. In Seattle, Cleveland will be facing one of the NFC's top contenders amid a stretch in which it will play four playoff teams in five games.

The following week, the Browns will enter their bye, making their matchup with the Seahawks a natural measuring stick. Where will Cleveland stack up? We're excited to find out.

Credit: Matt Florjancic
Newly acquired wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is thankful for opportunity to play for the Cleveland Browns and ready to build his legacy.

4. Sep. 16 at New York Jets

Last season, Mayfield made his Cleveland debut on Thursday Night Football, leading the Browns to a come-from-behind victory over the New York Jets.

Almost exactly a year later, Mayfield will square off against the Jets in primetime action, this time doing so under the bright lights of Monday Night Football.

Between the second matchup between Mayfield and fellow top-three pick Sam Darnold, Beckham's return to New York and the 50th anniversary of the first Monday Night Football game -- which also featured the Browns and the Jets -- there won't be any problem finding a narrative come the second week of the season. Plus, with Cleveland already favored in its season opener against the Tennesee Titans, there stands reason to believe the Browns could be playing for their first 2-0 start to a season since returning to the league in 1999.

3. Nov. 14. vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Despite Cleveland's struggles over the past 20 years, its rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers has typically remained intact.

And with the Browns likely to be more competitive than they ever were in that stretch, this year's edition of the rivalry possesses the potential to be the best yet.

That remains especially true when you factor in the structure of this year's schedule, which will see the Browns and Steelers face off twice in a three-week span. The first of the two contests will come on Nov. 14 -- a Thursday Night Football matchup that will take place in Cleveland.

After tying against Pittsburgh at FirstEnergy Stadium last year, will the Browns be able to earn their first victory vs. the Steelers since 2014? If so, it would be quite the start to a division-heavy final seven games of Cleveland's regular-season schedule.

Credit: AP
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield smiles after an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)

2. Sep. 22 vs. Los Angeles Rams

In order to find the last time the Browns hosted -- or even played in -- a Sunday Night Football game, you'd have to go back to 2008. But in Week 3 of this season, they'll break both streaks -- and do so against one of the most highly anticipated opponents on their schedule.

Coming off a 13-3 season that ended in a Super Bowl appearance, the Los Angeles Rams represent what the Browns are trying to be. They also happen to lay claim to arguably the most potent offenses and overall talented rosters Cleveland will face all season.

When it comes to measuring themselves against the NFL's elite, the Browns won't have to wait long. And their first opportunity to do just that will happen to come in front of a national audience.

1. Oct. 27 at. New England Patriots

As Ric Flair has famously said, in order to be the man, you have to beat the man.

And as the defending Super Bowl champs, the New England Patriots are the NFL's version of The Man.

Fortunately -- or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it -- for the Browns, they won't have to wait until a potential playoff matchup to take their first shot. Rather, that opportunity will come at 4:25 p.m. ET on Oct. 27 in what is one of the most highly anticipated games of not only Cleveland's, but the entire NFL's 2019 schedule.

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