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Cleveland Browns vs. Cardinals: Predicting the potential Oklahoma-style shootout

By Mike Lukas

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 14: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners and Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners warm up before the game against the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl on October 14, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 14: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners and Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners warm up before the game against the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl on October 14, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 8: Ricky Seals-Jones #83 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 8, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland defeated Cincinnati 27-19. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 8: Ricky Seals-Jones #83 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 8, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland defeated Cincinnati 27-19. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

Writer: Mike Lukas

Game: Cleveland Browns (6-7) at Arizona Cardinals (3-9-1)

Summary: If you like doing math, you just might be able to figure out how the Cleveland Browns can make the playoffs.

I saw the equation, and it’s totally, ahem, confusing – I know divisional and conference records are important and that the Houston Texans versus the Tennessee Titans series is critical and then I’m pretty sure a few other things out of the Browns’ control have to happen to get a Wild Card spot but it’s all too intertwined and co-dependent to fully understand.

But one thing’s for certain:

The Browns MUST beat the Arizona Cardinals.

And they have to do it in Arizona. Without Myles Garrett (suspension – duuude…).

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And possibly without Odell Beckham (groin), Jarvis Landry (hip) and some linemen and a safety all listed as questionable for this one.

The thing is, I used to be pretty good at math, but this Browns’ playoff arithmetic is too above my football helmet to comprehend.

I’m longing for the days (next season?) when the Browns win the AFC North outright and there is no math necessary regarding their postseason chances.

But for now, the least they can do is beat the Cardinals, who are worse on offense and WAY worse on defense than the Browns are at this point in the season, and who the odds makers have deemed the underdogs (underbirds?) in this matchup by a field goal.

I’ll take that bet – that math I can do.

The Browns MUST beat the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

If not for the playoffs, then for the basic fact that they’re the better team.

It’s a simple equation, sure, but as we saw in Weeks 1, 9 and 13, it doesn’t always equate to a win.

Regardless, the Cardinals should be one of those teams that the Browns beat easily.

It’s actually the next bird on the schedule I’m more concerned about.

Final Score Prediction: Browns 30, Cardinals 20

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