Despite a rough season full of drama and disappointment, the Cleveland Browns may still have a shot at making the playoffs
The Cleveland Browns have worked hard the last few seasons to move past their historic failures and become a legitimate contender. Bringing competent coaching, spending money wisely on the roster, and drafting well had the Brown in the Divisional Round of last season’s playoffs.
However, 2021 has been extremely disappointing for Cleveland fans, bringing new drama and hurdles every single week. Injuries to Baker Mayfield, the drama surrounding Odell Beckham Jr., and the sad losses to Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs early have all had the Browns fighting from behind all season.
After a win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14, Cleveland seems close to finally putting their 2021 season together. Separated from the top of the AFC North by only a single game, the Browns are filled with new energy, new motivation, and new hopes for the playoffs.
Browns playoff scenarios: Win vs. Ravens opens door in AFC North
The Ravens have lost two games in a row, having also lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13. With a number of injuries ravaging their roster, they are likely to lose a few more before the season ends, dropping them out of the tight AFC North race.
The Steelers are just a game and a half out of first place and also seem to be putting things together late in the season. The problem is that the Steelers have a tough schedule remaining, with games against the Chiefs, Titans, Browns, and Ravens remaining. Pittsburgh struggled late last season and that seems likely again down the stretch this year.
Cleveland’s biggest hurdle for the AFC North crown is the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals also have a rough schedule like the Steelers, with games against the 49ers, Chiefs, Broncos, Ravens, and Browns remaining. The Cincinnati offense seems more consistent and capable of staying competitive in the closing weeks, but they may need to run the table to fend off Cleveland, which is a tall task.
The Dawg Pound has reason to be optimistic heading into the final four weeks of the season — especially with their current standing with the AFC North.
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