The Cleveland Browns started the season with high hopes and ambitions.
Za’Darius Smith made a statement and talked about winning the AFC North, so missing the playoffs was never an option.
On the other hand, some were less optimistic after seeing a number of players suffer season-ending injuries, including Nick Chubb and Deshaun Watson.
But fast forward to today, and the Browns are in control of their own destiny as they make the playoffs.
According to NFL Insider James Palmer, Kevin Stefanski’s team will clinch a postseason berth with a win or tie against the New York Jets, a Pittsburgh Steelers loss to the Seattle Seahawks and a New York Jets loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The England Patriots or the Jacksonville Jaguars have a loss or a tie against the Carolina Panthers, or the Houston Texans have a loss or a tie against the Carolina Panthers.
Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts loss or tie vs. Las Vegas Raiders.
Of course, the easiest way to get into the playoffs is with a win or a tie against the Jets on Thursday night.
And I know they don’t want to depend on anyone to get to the promised land. The team worked hard to achieve a 10-5 record and second place in the division.
It wasn’t always easy or pretty, but this Browns team never gave up and kept fighting no matter what.
