Cleveland Browns suddenly in the AFC North mix
By Randy Gurzi
The Cleveland Browns aren’t at the bottom of the AFC North, and they’re actually in the mix suddenly after the Ravens, Steelers, and Bengals all lost in Week 14
While we were all losing our minds about the Cleveland Browns pulling off a fourth-quarter comeback win over the Carolina Panthers, the rest of the AFC North was getting all messed up. During the Browns game, the Baltimore Ravens were fighting with the Kansas City Chiefs. They did well but dropped one in overtime.
Then the Pittsburgh Steelers took the field against the Oakland Raiders while the Cincinnati Bengals faced the Los Angeles Chargers. In a non-surprising move, the Bengals lost again — No. 5 in a row — as they continued their free fall.
Pittsburgh also lost, which was incredibly surprising as Oakland came into the game with just two wins on the season.
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So now, the Browns are suddenly third in the AFC North with a record of 5-7-1. Right ahead of them is the Ravens at 7-6 and the Steelers lead things with a record of 7-5-1. That means the Browns are only two games behind Pittsburgh for the divisional lead.
Sure, with only three games left, it’s a long shot, but there’s still an outside chance the Browns can do the impossible. There’s a real chance they can win out with the Denver Broncos (6-7) on the schedule next week followed by games with the Ravens and Bengals — both of whom they have beat.
As for the Steelers, they play New England, New Orleans, and Cincinnati. They could end up 8-7-1, or if the Bengals pull off a miracle it could be worse — and could open the division for Cleveland. As for the Ravens, the play the Bucs, Chargers, and the Browns to close out the year. They could very well drop two of those games and end up 8-8.
Next. Week 14 instant reactions. dark
In short, the season isn’t over yet. The weird weekend worked out perfectly for the 2018 Browns, who may be the new Kardiac Kids.