Cleveland’s string of losses needs to end right now but playoff hopes stay strong
The Cleveland Browns were having a good season and had jumped up to the Number 5 seed. But two losses in a row have pushed them down one slot. And they are fortunate that other teams that affect their standing have had a loss or two recently.
The continuance of losing games will only force Cleveland from the playoff bracket into the “outside” window. When you get dumped into that bracket it usually means righting the ship isn’t going to happen and cleaning out lockers is more likely.
For now, the Browns remain seeded despite a two-game skid.
Will the Browns make the playoffs in 2023?
Let’s examine what the other teams are doing, and who has the best chances of making the post-season.
AFC North Division
#2. seed Baltimore Ravens 9-3-0
The Ravens’ hold on the AFC’s top seed didn’t last long but they still lead the division as both the Steelers and Browns lost.
Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Division crown probability: 86% (up 12)
Last five games: 4-1. Toughest opponents remaining: Jaguars, 49ers, Dolphins, Steelers
Post-season probability: 99% (up 1)
Pittsburgh Steelers 7-5-0
The Steelers had a chance to crouch behind Baltimore but lost 24-10 to one of the league’s worst teams, a club that Cleveland already defeated 27-0. Instead of trying to catch the Ravens, they seem more content with just being ahead of the Browns in the seeding process. The Steelers have the easiest remaining games. Despite losing, Pittsburgh did not lose their seeding position.
Division crown probability: 7% (down 11)
Last five games: 3-2-0. Toughest opponents remaining: Bengals, Colts, Seahawks, Ravens
Post-season probability: 53% (down 25)
Cleveland Browns 7-5-0
The Browns have now lost two games in a row. There is a time when the wiggle room will not allow any more upward motion, and if the coaching staff doesn’t figure out how to take these games then the post-season will just get further and further away. Despite losing, Cleveland is still seeded but lost one position as the Indianapolis Colts have now claimed the #6 seed. And with the Bengals beating the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football, suddenly Cincinnati is just one game back of Cleveland.
Division crown probability: 7% (down 1)
Last five games: 3-2. Toughest opponents remaining: Jaguars, Texans, Bengals
Post-season probability: 60% (down 6)
Cincinnati Bengals 6-6-0
The Bengals are in trouble and they know it. Their offense stinks and they have an issue defending the pass. Their schedule going forward is downright scary and is hard to imagine they will make the post-season this year.
Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Division crown probability: 1% (same)
Last five games: 3-2. Toughest opponents remaining: Steelers (twice), Jaguars, Colts, Chiefs, Browns
Post-season probability: 16% (up 13)
AFC East
#1. seed Miami Dolphins 9-3-0
Last five games: 4-1. Toughest opponents remaining: Cowboys, Ravens, Bills
Post-season probability: 99% (same)
AFC South
#4. seed Jacksonville Jaguars 8-4-0
Last five games: 3-2. Toughest opponents remaining: Browns, Titans
Post-season probability: 99% (up 12)
AFC West
#3. seed Kansas City Chiefs 8-4-0
Last five games: 2-3. Toughest opponents remaining: Bills, Bengals, Chargers
Post-season probability: 99% (same)
Wild Cards
#5. Pittsburgh Steelers 7-5-0
Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Last five games: 3-2-0. Toughest opponents remaining: Bengals, Colts, Seahawks, Ravens
Post-season probability: 53% (down 25)
#6. Indianapolis Colts 7-5-0
Last five games: 4-1. Toughest opponents remaining: Bengals, Steelers, Texans
Post-season probability: 67% (up 24)
#7. Cleveland Browns 7-5-0
Last five games: 3-2. Toughest opponents remaining: Jaguars, Texans, Bengals
Post-season probability: 60% (down 6)
On the Outside
#8. Houston Texans 7-5-0
Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Last five games:4-1. Toughest opponents remaining: Titans (twice), Browns, Colts
Post-season probability: 78% (up 20)
#9. Denver Broncos 6-6-0
Last five games: 4-1. Toughest opponents remaining: Chargers (twice), Lions
Post-season probability: 21% (down 13)
#10. Buffalo Bills 6-6-0
Last five games: 2-3. Toughest opponents remaining: Chiefs, Cowboys, Chargers, Dolphins
Post-season probability: 14% (down 1)
#11. Cincinnati Bengals 6-6-0
Last five games: 3-2. Toughest opponents remaining: Steelers (twice), Jaguars, Colts, Chiefs, Browns
Post-season probability: 16% (up 13)
#12. Los Angeles Chargers 5-7-0
Last five games: 2-3. Toughest opponents remaining: Broncos (twice), Bills, Chiefs
Post-season probability: 7% (up 2)
#13. Las Vegas Raiders 5-7-0
Last five games: 2-3. Toughest opponents remaining: Chiefs, Chargers, Colts, Broncos
Post-season probability: 1% (down 1)
Week 14 looking ahead: Results that could help the Browns
Thursday
Patriots over Steelers
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
Sunday
Browns over Jaguars
Bengals over Colts
Jets over Texans
Rams over Ravens
Vikings over Raiders
Chiefs over Bills
Monday
Titans over Dolphins
How closely are you tracking the Browns playoff hunt at this point in the season?