The Cleveland Browns and the rest of the AFC have no games to watch on Thanksgiving.
The NFC controls the holiday in November, as is often the case since the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys always play on the holiday.
This year, all six participating teams are from the NFC, meaning the vast majority of AFC fans can simply enjoy football without having to worry about the results.
There is a game on the schedule for today’s Turkey Day that could impact Clevleand’s playoff situation due to tiebreakers.
For the AFC North, where the Browns are 1-1 against the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, these are the first six tiebreakers for the division title:
Head-to-head (best win-loss-draw percentage in club matches). Best win, loss and draw percentage in division matches.
Best winning, losing and drawing percentage in popular games.
Best win-loss-draw percentage in conference games.
Gain strength in all games.
Strength of schedule in all matches. For a wildcard place, the top 6 changes a little:
One-on-one if necessary.
Best win-loss-draw percentage in conference games.
Best percentage of wins, losses and draws in common games, at least four.
Gain strength in all games.
Strength of schedule in all matches. Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed in all games.
The first four teams on the field aren’t on Cleveland’s schedule today, but the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks have already seen the orange and maroon.
As a friend pointed out on social media, the Browns’ win over the 49ers could impact the fifth and fourth tiebreakers listed above.
Simply put, the more San Francisco wins, the better Cleveland’s playoff hopes become thanks to tiebreakers.
Could he play a role? Absolutely (with a slight correction to the tweet below: Baltimore would go 5-1 with only six games left and their bye week):
So, Browns fans, enjoy the first two games without worry. Then, don your garnet and gold to cheer on the Niners late in the game while avoiding a food coma.
