The Cleveland Browns have a 10-5 record heading into Week 17. With two weeks to go in the regular season, the Browns appear to be in good shape to make the playoffs. Cleveland is in such great shape that the Browns have five different ways they can clinch the playoffs by the end of the week. Find out what those ways are below.
1. Cleveland Browns Win or Tie
The easiest way for the Cleveland Browns to clinch a playoff spot is with a simple win or tie against the New York Jets. They play the Jets tonight on Thursday Night Football. So, if Cleveland takes care of business at home, the rest of these scenarios become irrelevant by Sunday. However, in case they do lose that game, there are four other ways they can clinch a playoff spot.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers Loss or Tie
An alternative the Browns have is to get a loss from their archrivals. The Pittsburgh Steelers have to go on the road to take on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17. Considering Seattle will be fighting for their playoff lives as well, this will be a tough game for Pittsburgh to win.
3. Buffalo Bills Loss
Surprisingly, the closest team in the AFC standings to the Browns is the Buffalo Bills. With a Bills loss to the New England Patriots, the Browns can clinch a playoff spot. However, considering the Patriots have a mere 4-11 record, do not count on this. Plus, the Bills have won their last three games.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars Loss or Tie
The Jacksonville Jaguars are another team playing for their playoff lives in Week 17. They take on the Carolina Panthers next week. Considering the Panthers have the worst record in the NFL, it will be tough to expect the Jaguars to lose this game.
5. Houston Texans Loss or Tie AND Indianapolis Colts Loss or Tie
Finally, a combination of two losses or ties can get the Browns into the playoffs. These losses would have to come from the Texans and the Colts. Both have 8-7 records with important games for playoff aspirations.
So, who is each team playing next week? The Texans play the struggling Tennessee Titans. As for the Colts, they play the Las Vegas Raiders, who are hanging onto slim playoff hopes of their own.
The Browns will hope they do not have to worry about any of these scenarios after their Thursday night game.
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