The Cleveland Browns are headed back to the postseason after going 11-6 and securing the No. 5 seed in the playoffs. Despite the numerous injuries problems this team has faced, they've risen above their circumstances, which speaks to their incredible togetherness.
Now this squad will look to finish their magical year with a Super Bowl. While some don't consider Cleveland's chances of winning the title to be especially strong, Kevin Stefanski's group could be one of the better dark-horse threats we've seen in recent postseasons.
In fact, there's a few stats that only strengthen the Browns' case as a SB-worthy contender.
Browns Stats That Could Fuel 2024 Super Bowl Run
1. 270.2 Total Yards Allowed
Cleveland's title dreams will hinge, at least in part, on its top-ranked defense remaining strong in the playoffs.
This group has been revitalized after offseason moves that added better personnel and brought in a talented defensive mind Jim Schwartz as their new coordinator. The result? Leading the league in fewest total yards allowed with a mark of just 270.2.
The AFC will feature a gauntlet of incredible offenses like the Miami Dolphins (409.2 YPG, No. 1), Baltimore Ravens (370.4 YPG, No. 4) and Buffalo Bills (368.3 YPG, No. 5) in the postseason, which makes an elite D even more valuable since it can possibly neutralize those squads' advantages.
If the Browns hope to make it to the Super Bowl, they'll likely need to take down at least one (if not more) of Miami, Baltimore and Buffalo. The fact they have a legit deterrent to the top contenders in the conference is what makes them an attractive dark horse pick.
Boasting a defense that can slow high-octane offenses down allows Cleveland an opportunity to potentially control the flow of its playoff games. That would give the Browns a major advantage if they're able to keep those threatening units off the field and play at the pace they desire, instead of getting forced into a track meet.
2. 4-1 Record
That being said, if Stefanski is tasked with an offensive shootout, he's suddenly in a much better position to counter thanks to Joe Flacco.
The former Super Bowl champ has stepped in and immediately transformed this passing attack from possible weakness into strength. He's racked up 1,616 passing yards and 13 touchdowns in just five starts, performing as one of the league's best QBs during the biggest stretch of the year.
That's led to an incredible 4-1 record with Flacco at the helm, and all four wins saw the gunslinger surpass 300 passing yards.
It's mightily clear Flacco gives this team the best chance it's had to win all season. Cleveland previously schemed around its prior backups' weaknesses, which sometimes led to minisucle passing plays. With Flacco under center, Stefanski's been more than happy to let him air it out, which has resulted in four outings of 42 (or more) attempts through the air.
The sudden arrival of a strong passing game has made this unit stronger as a whole. The threat of beating defenses over the top only helps open things up for the running back corps, which remains productive even without Nick Chubb.
Flacco Fever has taken over Cleveland, and for good reason. He's provided an experienced hand who can not only produce but also lead a team as it aspires to reach the mountaintop.
Flacco's already done it once, and he could do it again -- this time for his former rival, no less.
3. 28 Turnovers Created
The Browns defense's astounding 2023 play cannot be overstated enough, especially as matchups versus top offenses loom.
Making it tougher for these units to pick up huge chunks of yardage is one way to win games. But so is taking the ball away from them on one play.
Cleveland's been of one of the NFL's best at doing just that during the 2023 campaign. Schwartz's unit recorded a whopping 28 turnovers during the regular season, which tied for the third most across the league. With more TOs created than games played, that shows the regularity at which this group makes contest-changing plays.
Turnovers are costly no matter the context. They take a point-scoring opportunity away from the offense, while boosting the defense's confidence. TOs also mean extra possessions for the offense, which brings with it the chance to chew up clock and add more points.
The AFC had some of the most mistake-prone quarterbacks in the NFL this season, with the likes of Josh Allen (16), Patrick Mahomes (14) and Tua Tagovailoa (12) placing in the top 10 for most interceptions thrown. One main way to stop them from leading their electric offenses is by taking the ball out of their hands, which the Browns are well-equipped to do.
It would be no surprise at all if Cleveland's defensive playmakers end up winning the team a playoff game this postseason. Maybe it even turns the biggest game of them all in February.
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