It is so close that the can almost touch it.
One more win - preferably this Thursday against the New York Jets - and the Browns will claim one of the AFC’s seven playoff spots. It is that simple - win and you are in.
The Browns are also mathematically alive to claim the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC, an idea that we’ll give everyone a moment to process. While it might still be a long shot given that the Baltimore Ravens were the latest AFC North team to expose the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, the path to the top of the AFC is clear:
- Cleveland has to beat the Jets this week and the Cincinnati Bengals in the season finale
- The Miami Dolphins have to beat the Ravens this week and then lose to the Buffalo Bills in the season finale
- The Ravens, after losing to the Dolphins, have to find a way to lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season finale
The Browns will clinch a playoff spot with:
- A win or tie or
- A Pittsburgh loss or tie or
- A Buffalo loss or
- A Jacksonville loss or tie or
- A Houston loss or tie and an Indianapolis loss or tie
It all starts with a win by the Browns on Thursday night, but just in case here is the Week 17 rooting guide for Cleveland fans.