The Cleveland Browns playoff hopes are still alive somehow

The Cleveland Browns won on Sunday night in a nail-biter but they can’t afford another loss.

The Cleveland Browns are still alive in the playoff race after the team narrowly escaped a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Browns were able to battle back and score a touchdown and subsequent game-tying extra point to send the game into overtime.

Thanks to key plays by Myles Garrett, Amari Cooper, and Nick Chubb, the Browns were able to beat the Buccaneers in overtime, sending them to a record of 4-7. The AFC North isn’t really a thought at this point, it’s more of a pipe dream considering how good the Cincinnati Bengals are playing.

The Bengals and Ravens are both 7-4, and the Bengals have won five of their last six. The Browns have a shot, sure, but it’s not a realistic one. The Browns would be better off focusing on winning out to try and take a wild card entry.

The only problem is, the Browns’ schedule is still as tough as ever.

The Cleveland Browns have to win out to realistically make the playoffs

The Cleveland Browns have a who’s who of opponents to close out the year. Yes, they have the Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, and Pittsburgh Steelers left. Admittedly, they aren’t exactly tough outs.

But they also have the aforementioned Bengals, Ravens, and Washington Commanders. Both the Ravens and Bengals would be in the playoffs if they were today, and the Commanders are just outside with a 7-5 record.

Though that may change once all of Sunday’s and Monday’s games are done.

With the Browns having to essentially win their next six to really get into the playoffs, the team has to be what they haven’t been all year; perfect.

They’re getting Deshaun Watson back, who everyone believes will elevate the offense, but seeing as he hasn’t played in nearly two full years, and so many other elite quarterbacks hitting the proverbial wall this year, who knows if Watson is even going to look good upon his arrival.

The team can’t afford another loss, and there’s no guarantee they win one game this year with Watson under center. Time will certainly tell if the Browns can extend their season into January but these next few weeks are crucial.