I don’t get it.

I really don’t.

It just seems quite strange to me in several different ways.

You already know what I think of SportsIllustrated.com. It is the best NFL website anywhere. The coverage is outstanding. And it has been that way for quite a while.

Eight of their nine writers and editors making picks have the Browns beating the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday in the regular-season opener at Huntington Bank Field.

I don’t agree at all. The Browns are 2-1/2-point favorites, which I also don’t understand. The Cowboys are hardly world-beaters and head coach Mike McCarthy leaves a whole lot to be desired, but the Browns have all kinds of issues on offense, especially at quarterback and the two tackle spots. They likely will struggle to score points offensively. Their great defense is going to have to win it for them.

But the SI people are not high on the Browns overall. Just one writer is picking them to make the AFC playoffs, and that is only as a wild card, losing their opening-round game. Now, that is something I can definitely see happening.

Steve King