Presently situated at the sixth seed in the AFC, the Browns slipped one spot following their recent loss to the Broncos. Despite needing 2-3 more victories to secure a playoff spot, injuries have compelled the Browns to heavily rely on their defense to compensate for a struggling offense. This implies that winning may not always be pretty in the upcoming six games.
While this strategy has allowed the Browns to maintain a winning record as they enter the final month of the season, the seemingly favorable path to the playoffs could quickly alter if they fail to win their next two crucial games against the Rams (5-6) and Jaguars (8-3).
No, the Browns are not out of the playoffs. Despite their Week 12 loss to the Broncos, the team holds a 7-4 record. Winning five of their last six games before the setback, the Browns remain on a favorable course for a postseason berth in the final stretch.
Certainly, the Browns still have a shot at making the playoffs in 2023. Currently holding a 62.3% implied probability, the Browns rank sixth in the AFC for playoff odds, with oddsmakers foreseeing them as strong contenders for a top wild card spot.
In the AFC North, the Browns currently occupy the third spot:
In the broader AFC standings, the Browns share the eighth-best odds with the Colts and Broncos, all at +5000.
Oddsmakers project the Browns to contend for a wild card spot in the AFC, identifying the Steelers, Bills, Bengals, Texans, Broncos, and Chargers as the primary competitors for this coveted seed.
While the Browns are in the running for the No. 1 seed, achieving this would require surpassing expectations and competing with the Chiefs and Ravens, the current favorites. The Browns secured the No. 1 seed only once in franchise history in 1986. Over the last 20 seasons, they reached the playoffs once as the seventh seed in the 2020 season.
Browns fans should naturally root for negative outcomes for their AFC North rivals: the Ravens, Steelers, and Bengals. Beyond the division, cheering against other formidable AFC contenders with favorable playoff odds, including the Chiefs, Dolphins, Bills, Texans, and Jaguars, is advisable.
Despite a setback in Week 12, the Browns can rejuvenate their playoff aspirations by securing wins against the Rams and Jaguars in the next two weeks. The remaining matchups against the Bears, Jets, Bengals, and Texans present opportunities, especially considering their opponents’ offensive struggles against the Browns’ formidable defense. Despite facing challenges due to season-ending injuries, the Browns’ current lead in the AFC playoff race instills optimism for a successful playoff journey in December and beyond.
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