1977 Browns vs 1974 49ers

[JWL]

Which one of these also-rans was the better team?

[BD Sullivan]

Entering Week 8, the Browns were in first place, but were upset at home by the Bengals. The following week, they were blown out in Pittsburgh--they lost by four after trailing 35-10 at the start of the fourth quarter. More importantly, Sipe was lost for the season in that game and the team collapsed because they had no depth.

The 1974 49ers were the essence of streaky: won their first two, lost their next seven, won four of their last five. Their only loss in the last five was in a mudbath in Cleveland, where the Browns scored in the fourth quarter to win 7-0.

Browns by a wide margin.