Christmas and Week 16 of the NFL season. This week’s schedule includes three games as the Cleveland Browns look to continue their winning streak against the Houston Texans.
The Browns entered this week with multiple scenarios to secure an AFC playoff spot, but it will take a few games to play out in a very real way.
Ironically, the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals game could have gone either way and Cleveland would have still won.
I was hoping a Steelers win would put both teams at least one game back at the end of Week 16.
All eight scenarios where the Browns could make the playoffs came with a win over the Texans on Sunday.
Pittsburgh’s six losses include two AFC North teams that tied on Saturday.There was only one scenario left for Cleveland in Week 16, when the Steelers took the Bengals to the woods.
CLE win CIN lose DEN lose or tie BUF lose MIA win or IND lose or tie Unfortunately for the hopes and future of the Browns, the Buffalo Bills advanced to the playoffs with a win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday night.
Regardless of what happens on Sunday, Cleveland will be eliminated from the playoffs in Week 16.
Here’s the current AFC playoff standings, including Saturday’s two results.
Cleveland defeated Houston to remain in fifth place in the AFC, while the Baltimore Ravens hope to avoid a loss to the San Francisco 49ers to retain the AFC North title.
A loss on Sunday would put the Browns in fifth, if not fourth, at least in a tie for third.Week 16 is very important for Cleveland.
A win will secure a playoff spot, while a loss will put their postseason hopes in jeopardy, setting up a tight first-round matchup.
