There are a variety of ways that the Cleveland Browns can clinch a playoff berth and end the NFL’s longest playoff drought.
Even with their gut wrenching loss to the New York Jets this past Sunday, the Cleveland Browns still have a shot to make the playoffs. There are eight different scenarios that the Browns can make their first trip to the postseason since 2002.
Of course the simplest path is just win on Sunday, but that is easier said than done. The Browns face the Steelers and what their plan is for Week 17 after clinching the division is not yet known. Pittsburgh struggled for three weeks leading into this game and may want to give their starters a good amount of playing time in order to get ready for the postseason to make sure that last week wasn’t a fluke. If that is the case it could result in a heartbreaking loss for the Browns.
Cleveland could still make the playoffs if the Colts lose, but they are taking on a 1-win Jaguars squad. Their lone win? It was against Indianapolis in Week 1. While it is highly unlikely that it happens again, it is still a possibility.
The Browns need to do one thing and one thing only, focus on their game on Sunday and do the best they can to come away with a win. If they can manage to take down whatever version of the Steelers they face there will be a lot of happy Browns fans everywhere.
