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What needs to happen Week 15 to help Cleveland Browns playoff hopes

By Dan Justik

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 01: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns walks to the field before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 1, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 01: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns walks to the field before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 1, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Middle Linebacker Joe Schobert #53 of the Cleveland Browns sacks quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens in the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Middle Linebacker Joe Schobert #53 of the Cleveland Browns sacks quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens in the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /

Browns still control own destiny

No matter how the Texans, Titans, and Steelers finish the season, the Browns still need to win out in order to keep any chance of making the playoffs. One loss and the Browns will eliminate themselves from the postseason.

With how Cleveland has played this season, there is no guaranteed win. They do have two favorable matchups against the Cardinals and Bengals. Cleveland’s talent should give them the advantage over both teams and they will be the favorites to win those games.

The real issue for the Browns will be in Week 16, against arguably the best team in the NFL, Baltimore Ravens. Cleveland may have defeated the Ravens earlier in the season, but Baltimore has been red-hot ever since.

The Lamar Jackson led offense has been unstoppable and they are putting up enough points that there is hardly any pressure on their defense. So if Cleveland cannot shut down Jackson like they did Week 4, they can kiss their playoff hopes goodbye.

dark. Next. Browns veterans want to see changes in 2020

It may have seemed unlikely just a few weeks ago, but the Browns still have a path to the playoffs. If the Browns can handle their business, then they are putting themselves in a decent spot for the postseason. The results of Week 15 will play a huge role in the type of help the Browns need, but it will make it clear what needs to happen in order for the Browns to sneak into the Wild Card.

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