If there’s anything more complicated than putting together the NFL’s annual schedule, it’s what happens at this point in the calendar. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for a number of ridiculously complicated Cleveland Browns playoff scenarios. The league office released eight different ones this week, all of which require at least five different things to happen for the Browns to punch their ticket to the playoffs in Week 16.
Eight Ridiculously Complicated Cleveland Browns Playoff Scenarios
Cleveland fans will be heartened to know that six of these involve the Pittsburgh Steelers losing (or a tie). There’s also a lot of Denver and Buffalo involved.
1. CLE win + CIN loss + DEN loss or tie + BUF loss + MIA win or tie + IND loss or tie OR
2. CLE win + PIT loss or tie + BUF loss + MIA win or tie + DEN loss or tie OR
3. CLE win + PIT loss or tie + BUF loss + MIA win or tie + JAX loss + IND win OR
4. CLE win + PIT loss or tie + DEN loss or tie + JAX loss + IND win OR
5. CLE win + PIT loss or tie + BUF loss + KC win + IND win + JAX loss OR
6. CLE win + PIT loss or tie + DEN loss or tie + MIA win or tie + IND loss OR
7. CLE win + PIT loss or tie + DEN loss or tie + MIA win or tie + JAX loss OR
8. CLE win + CIN-PIT tie + BUF loss + IND win + JAX loss
Breaking the likelihood of each of these scenarios down will likely melt everyone’s brains, so let’s start by playing out the most likely Browns playoff scenarios.
Key Game #1: Cincinnati (8-6) at Pittsburgh (7-7)
A few weeks ago, it looked like the Cincinnati Bengals were shoe-ins for the bottom of the division, and Pittsburgh had found a new lease on life after their first in-season coaching change in their history. But then Jake Browning happened, and Kenny Pickett didn’t. The Bengals have won three games and stand one game behind the Browns. Pittsburgh has lost three and looked horrible doing it. Most likely, this is a Cincinnati win. A Pittsburgh loss is key to six of the Browns playoff scenarios. So this is good news for Cleveland – even if it feels unnatural for Browns fans to root for the Bengals.
Key Game #2: Buffalo (8-6) at Los Angeles Chargers (5-9)
The Buffalo Bills have been the NFL’s version of Jekyll and Hyde all season. The Los Angeles Chargers, on the other hand? This is an organization lost in the woods. Their last three full-time starters are Drew Brees, Phillip Rivers, and Justin Herbert. The first two are sure-fire Hall of Famers, and the third is off to a great start. Yet, the franchise has just a single trip to the AFC Championship during that time. They just fired their head coach and general manager. The Bills win this one. That kills off Browns playoff scenarios No. 2, 3, and 5.
Key Game #3: New England (3-11) at Denver (7-7)
The New England Patriots already have 11 losses. One more, and it will lock in their worst season in over 30 years. Things have gotten so bad that it seems almost fait accompli that the team will part ways with longtime coach Bill Belichick. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos have soared back into playoff position behind Russell Wilson and Sean Payton. Denver is always a tough place to play. Denver holds a near 2-1 advantage in the 63-year series in Denver. It would be shocking for Denver to lose, and that eliminates all remaining Browns playoff scenarios.
Cleveland Browns Playoff Scenarios Seem Unlikely
Unfortunately for Cleveland Browns fans, it seems unlikely the team will punch its ticket to the playoffs in Week 16, win or lose. Los Angeles or New England winning would be surprising. However, If one of those does happen, the odds don’t get much shorter. Indianapolis would have to lose to Atlanta (who just lost to lowly Carolina). Jacksonville would have to lose to Tampa Bay. Miami would need to beat Dallas. Of the three, only the latter is likely. However, the Browns playoff scenarios will get a lot more likely come Week 17.
Main Photo: [Kirby Lee] – USA Today Sports
