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Player who must step up: QB Baker Mayfield

After quarterbacking the Browns in 2020 to their first playoff victory in 26 years, Mayfield has had a disappointing season to this point. He has been battling a torn labrum in his non-throwing left shoulder since Week 2, as well as injuries to his right knee and left foot. In part as a result, Mayfield ranks just 26th in QBR, one season after finishing in the top 10. The Browns are still in the hunt for a playoff spot. But they won't get there unless Mayfield rekindles the caliber of play he unleashed in 2020. -- Jake Trotter

Andrew Berry gave the media 30 minutes as the Browns began their much-needed bye week, but the general manager was too smart to offer the press the red meat they craved regarding Baker Mayfield. The former No. 1 pick has struggled through an injury-riddled year, but Berry was careful not to play his hand on how this season has -- or has not -- changed the team's internal evaluation of the quarterback. Time remains on Cleveland's side: Mayfield has one year and nearly $19 million left on his rookie deal, which makes him the likely starter in 2022 regardless of what happens the rest of the way. Mayfield might not be close to the lucrative long-term extension that appeared imminent last summer, but he's not facing a doomsday scenario, either.

They come off their bye with a big division game at home against the Ravens. They lost a tough one to them two weeks ago, but need this to tighten up the division race.

GM Andrew Berry said of QB Baker Mayfield, "We expect him to play his best stretch of the year here after the bye." Giddyup -- though that might entail Mayfield exclusively handing off to RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, who might be playing together more.

Best-case scenario: So many of the Browns' short- and long-term problems could be solved if Baker Mayfield plays like a true franchise quarterback over the next month, and that starts this week against the Ravens. We'd love to see Mayfield leading game-winning drives, commanding the offense and showing the type of leadership that will convince Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski he deserves a new contract in the offseason.