Cleveland Browns’ Playoff Possibilities: Week 15 Edition

The Cleveland Browns are 5-7-1. Things went their way last week, but they still need to win their final three games and then get some help.

AFC Standings Heading into Week 15

AFC North Consideration

To win the AFC North, the following needs to happen:

• Cleveland wins their final 3 games.
• Pittsburgh loses their final 3 games (New England, New Orleans, Cincinnati).
• Baltimore loses one of their next 2 games (Tampa Bay, LA Chargers).

AFC Wildcard Spot

If Pittsburgh wins, then Cleveland will be eying a wildcard spot, which is just as tough to attain given the number of teams that need to lose. Cleveland can play a role in the demise of two of those teams, though — with Denver this week and Baltimore in Week 17.

Indianapolis, Miami, Tennessee, and Baltimore each need to lose 2 of their final 3 games. You have to think about the fact that the Colts play the Titans in Week 17; so if they both win this week, then that kills Cleveland because that means one of those two teams will finish the year ahead of Cleveland, eliminating them from wildcard contention (barring a tie).

Week 15 Rooting Guide Summary

• Cleveland Browns defeat Denver Broncos
• Dallas Cowboys defeat Indianapolis Colts
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeat Baltimore Ravens
• New England Patriots defeat Pittsburgh Steelers
• New York Giants defeat Tennessee Titans
• Minnesota Vikings defeat Miami Dolphins

These outcomes would allow Cleveland to move up to the 10th spot in the AFC, but would put them just one game behind a wildcard spot.

Playoff Simulators

• ESPN Playoff Machine
• NY Times Playoff Machine

Let us know what crazy scenarios you come up with to show the Browns getting the sixth seed!