5 Browns whose stock is soaring after playoff clincher vs Steelers

4. Baker Mayfield

It was a game Baker Mayfield had to win. He wasn’t perfect,  but he didn’t need to be. Franchise quarterbacks win, and that’s what Mayfield did on Sunday.

Few would’ve guessed the Browns would’ve been aided as much as they were by Mayfield’s legs, as the third-year veteran rushed for 44 yards.

Through the air, Mayfield was 17-of-27 for 196 yards and a score. Yes, it looks like Mason Rudolph (315 yards, two TDs, 1 INT) outplayed him with a quick glance at the box score, but Baker did what needed to be done to get the win.

Again, the Browns looked rather bland offensively, which hopefully means they’re able to take it to another level on Wild Card Weekend.

They certainly have that ability, with Mayfield playing extremely well in a win against the Titans and that thriller against Baltimore.

Additionally, Mayfield has saved himself an offseason of second guessing in which the fan base tries to replace him with Dwayne Haskins or Carson Went. Mayfield threw for 25 touchdowns and seven picks–while his team won 11 games. He made the playoffs for the first time.

He may not get his extension this offseason, but it’s not too far off.