How many playoff games can the Cleveland Browns win this year?

At 9-3, the Cleveland Browns control their own destiny deep into the playoffs for 2020. 

When talking about playoffs and the Cleveland Browns, usually someone mentions the last time they went.

Those jokes should come to an end in Week 17. Kevin Stefanski should at least have a speech in his pocket and the Browns should be prepping for their first playoff game since 2002.

At 9-3, any lingering questions or concerns on how legit this Cleveland club was was answered in a 41-35 victory over the Tennessee Titans.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1335663504125149186

If the season were to end today, Cleveland would own the No. 5 seed in the AFC. That’s in large part due to the surging success of the Steelers 11-0 start. The real question is, who couldn’t the Browns beat on their way to represent the AFC in Tampa Bay come February?

Multiple teams should fear the Browns if meeting them in the playoffs.

It’s still a 10-team race for the finals seven spots into the postseason.

Las Vegas’ contention status is in jeopardy after the team needed a Cover 0 blitz and poor coverage on speedy Henry Ruggs to beat the Jets. Add in the fact that the worst offense in the league averaged 6.3 yards per play and they’re out.

The same should go for teams that heavily rely on the run, specifically those in the AFC South. Derrick Henry managed to tally 60 yards on the afternoon while the remaining Tennessee rushing attack added a measly two. Meanwhile, Indianapolis’ strong rushing attack behind their offensive line was held to only 68 yards back in Week 5 when the two met up.

New England is a long shot to make the postseason, but forcing Cam Newton to throw secures the Browns a win. The same could be said for Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, who’s been struggling targeting anyone beside Mark Andrews behind that shell of the injured Ravens offensive line.

Two weeks ago, Pittsburgh looked to be destined for a date with the Chiefs. Now, not so much. A struggling victory against a third-string quarterback vs. Baltimore now questions the legitimacy of their contending status. Throw in the fact Bud Dupree is now out with a torn ACL and the top-ranked team in sacks now will be missing a third of their production.

Buffalo could be a coin-flip based on how the third-year quarterbacks play. A 290-yard, four-touchdown first half from Baker Mayfield shows his potential. Then again, so does missing a wide-open David Njoku against Jacksonville does as well.

On the other side, Josh Allen has been named an MVP candidate for his work in Orchard Park. He’s also had several games where it looks like the clock has struck well past midnight on his Cinderella transformation.

Besides Kansas City, this version of Cleveland can beat anyone in the AFC. Given the right side of the bracket could have them playing the Titans 2019 role and spoiling the postseason for teams’s on their way to likely a matchup at Arrowhead.

If Browns win next Monday against the Ravens, it’ll be the team’s best start in over 50 years. Win or lose entering their victory this Monday, they might be the team to fear in the AFC come playoff time.