The Cleveland Browns secured a huge win in Week 15 to improve their record to 9-5. Right now, they currently hold the fifth seed in the AFC. Despite the AFC playoff race being very tight, there is a crazy scenario where the Browns could end up clinching a playoff spot as early as next week. Find out what has to happen for Cleveland to secure that spot.
Best Results for the Cleveland Browns
Believe it or not, there are eight different scenarios where the Cleveland Browns can clinch the playoffs by the end of next week. All of them involve the Browns taking care of business against the Houston Texans. However, that task got a little easier due to the current status of Texans QB C.J. Stroud.
Another matchup Browns fans should keep an eye on is Saturday’s game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers. Technically, both teams losing can help the Browns. However, six scenarios involve the Steelers losing, one scenario involves the Bengals losing, and the last one involves a tie.
Other Helpful Results
Four other teams can help the Browns clinch their spot as early as next week. All four of these results are involved in at least four of the scenarios where the Browns can clinch a playoff spot. So, what are these results?
For starters, the Browns need the New England Patriots to somehow upset the Denver Broncos on the road in the Christmas Eve night game. Then, the Browns could use a Los Angeles Chargers upset over the Buffalo Bills. Considering the Broncos and Bills are two of the biggest favorites on the board this week, this could be a difficult task.
These last two results may be more realistic. Cleveland benefits if the Jacksonville Jaguars fall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Finally, they could use a big win on Christmas Eve from the Miami Dolphins over the Dallas Cowboys.
Easiest Playoff Scenario
As stated above, the Browns have eight different scenarios where they can end up in the playoffs. So, which one is the most realistic to play out in their favor? In my opinion, it is this one:
CLE Win + PITT Loss or Tie + DEN Loss or Tie + JAX Loss + IND Win
Truthfully, there is no easy playoff scenario here. However, I think any scenario not involving a Steelers loss needs to be eliminated. Then, you have realistic results with the Jaguars being a coin flip against the Buccaneers and the Colts being small favorites against the Atlanta Falcons. However, it may be a challenge to secure a Broncos loss.
Get More NFL Content
For more news and trends around the NFL, click here or follow me on Twitter @JohnGalletley.
