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There s really no mystery when it comes to who the Cleveland Browns are going to rely on in the 2021 season. Provided they stay healthy, the same core that took the Chiefs to the wire in the divisional round is coming back.
While most years since the Browns came back in 1999 have been about finding relevance, this year is about building on it.
The same is true for several of the players who should be leading the way. Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb and Myles Garrett all put together exceptional 2020 seasons. They will be called upon to do the same in 2021, and they won t be sneaking up on anyone.
Charlie Riedel/Associated Press
The Los Angeles Chargers didn t focus on starry acquisitions in free agency or make a big trade up in the 2021 NFL draft, but their focus on fortifying the line protecting Justin Herbert and rounding out their team will likely give them playoff aspirations in 2021.
The quarterback soared to Offensive Rookie of the Year honors last season, throwing for 4,336 yards and 31 touchdowns against 10 interceptions while adding another 234 yards and five scores on the ground.
While some questioned Herbert s readiness, the Oregon product stepped in immediately after Tyrod Taylor s medical mishap to take the starting job in Week 2 and never looked back.
Predictions
Whether or not Medina Spirit races in the Preakness, he may not be the Baffert-trained horse that has the best showing at Pimlico. Concert Tour didn t run in the Kentucky Derby and has been preparing for this race instead, which could lead to a strong performance on Saturday.
After winning his first three career races, Concert Tour finished third in the Arkansas Derby last month. However, neither of the horses that placed ahead of him (Super Stock and Caddo River) will be competing in the Preakness.
Concert Tour s jockey will be Mike Smith, who is a two-time Preakness winner and has seven career victories at Triple Crown events. So the colt appears to be set up to fare well at Pimlico, especially if he gets a good starting spot and breaks strong from the gate.