Cleveland Browns: Five games to watch during the bye week
1. Dolphins at Ravens
As good as all of these matchups are on this list, the Dolphins/Ravens game is the top game this week for Cleveland fans. An AFC early game with enormous playoff implications, these two rather unlikely contenders have a chance to gain the inside track to a playoff spot.
The Dolphins, of course, are the story of the NFL. After a 1-4 start which all but sank their chances, Miami has rattled off six straight victories. Shockingly, they sit tied with the Broncos for the final playoff spot. It looks like it will come down to these two teams in the end, making every game so important for the Dolphins.
The Ravens are in a similar situation, yet different. They too are in a dead heat for a playoff spot, but their best shot is at the AFC North title. Tied with the Steelers with a 6-5 record, the Ravens need every win they can get if they wish to clinch the division without needing a road victory in Pittsburgh.
Most of all, this game will be exciting because of the way these two teams have been playing lately. A lot of football fans who don’t normally watch the Dolphins are curious as to how they are on such a roll with the players they have. While Baltimore has some talent, they too are raising a lot of eyebrows. Tuning into this game would answer a lot of questions fans have about these two mysterious playoff contenders.
The game is on locally on FOX. If nothing else, it is a good game to supplement one of the others. But for a lot of fans, it will be their primary game to watch during the bye, as it should be.
Bye weeks don’t have to be totally depressing. And as much as that yard work may need to get done, the Sunday of the bye week doesn’t have to be the time to do it. With these five entertaining games, Browns fans will have plenty to look forward to for six hours on Sunday, even without a Cleveland game to watch.