Believe it or not, the Cleveland Browns have the potential to clinch a playoff spot this week with a win over the Houston Texans. After already rattling off two in a row, the Browns will now likely face their former backup quarterback, Case Keenum, in this Week 16 matchup in pursuit of their tenth win of the year.
While the Browns have not had much luck on the road this year, going just 2-4 away from Cleveland Browns Stadium, they may have been dealt a favorable hand this week as rookie phenom C.J. Stroud is still dealing with concussion symptoms and is not expected to clear the protocol this week.
Much more would also need to fall in the Browns’ favor to clinch a playoff spot, but it all starts with a win on the road in Houston. Here are all eight scenarios of how Cleveland could open up their first postseason birth since 2020 this week if the cards fall in their favor.
Scenario 1
Browns Win + Bengals loss + Broncos loss or tie + Bills loss + Dolphins win or tie + Colts loss or tie
Scenario 2
Browns win + Steelers loss or tie + Bills loss + Dolphins win or tie + Denver loss or tie
Scenario 3
Browns win + Steelers loss or tie + Bills loss + Dolphins win or tie + Jaguars loss + Colts win
Scenario 4
Browns win + Steelers loss or tie + Broncos loss or tie + Jaguars loss + Colts win
Scenario 5
Browns win + Steelers loss or tie + Bills loss + Chiefs win + Colts win + Jaguars loss
Scenario 6
Browns win + Steelers loss or tie + Broncos loss or tie + Dolphins win or tie + Colts loss
Scenario 7
Browns win + Steelers loss or tie + Broncos loss or tie + Dolphins win or tie + Jaguars loss
Scenario 8
Browns win + Bengals/Steelers tie + Bills loss + Colts win + Jaguars loss
