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Cleveland Browns road map for unlikely, but possible, playoff run

By Mitch Zoloty

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after making a catch on a two-point conversion attempt during the third quarter against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 20, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after making a catch on a two-point conversion attempt during the third quarter against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 20, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 18: Quincy Wilson #31 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after a defensive play in the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 18: Quincy Wilson #31 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after a defensive play in the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

The Dolphins Schedule

The Dolphins are one of the teams on this list the Browns don’t play. The Browns will need the Dolphins to go 3-3 over there next six games to be able to make the playoffs in this scenario.

The Dolphins next six games are against the Bills (who they play twice), Colts, Patriots, Vikings, and the Jaguars. The Patriots and Vikings should be losses for the Dolphins, especially since they play the Vikings in Minnesota.

The Dolphins at Colts game will put the Browns in a bad situation either way. The Dolphins seem to have a harder remaining schedule after the game, so the Browns should probably be rooting for the Dolphins.

The Jaguars or the Bills would need to pull an upset on the Dolphins to get the Browns in. The Dolphins at Bills game in Week 17 seems to be the most likely time for an upset. The weather will play a huge role in the game and could serve as a major asset to the Browns playoff hopes. It’s not often I call for a snowstorm, but a snow game would be the Bills best bet to pull off the upset.

If the Colts end up winning the Dolphins at Colts match up, then the upset wouldn’t be needed.

The Colts Schedule

The Colts are looking hot, which looks bad for the Browns. They’re on a four-game win streak, albeit those wins are against the Bills, Raiders, Jaguars, and Titans. The Colts remaining games are a bit harder.

They have away games against the Texans, Jaguars, and Titans and home games against the Giants, Cowboys, and Titans. The Texans are on a seven game win streak and have been a force to be reckoned with. The Cowboys are also on a respectable three-game win streak against the Eagles, Falcons, and Redskins.

If the Colts beat the Dolphins, then the Browns will need the Texans and Cowboys to beat the Colts and then the Jaguars, Giants, or Titans to pull an upset. The Titans are another team with a shot at the playoffs, so it would be better if the upset came from the Jaguars or Giants.

The Jaguars would need to win out to make the playoffs, which most likely won’t happen, and the Giants this season have been putrid, so the Jaguars would be the most beneficial upset to the Browns.

The Colts seem like the most likely team to take the 6th seed to me, so Browns fans better be rooting for the Jaguars in their week 13 matchup against the Colts.

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