Daily Dawg Tags: Cleveland Browns can clinch playoffs in Week 14

Dec 6, 2020; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Cleveland Browns strong safety Karl Joseph (42) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2020; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Cleveland Browns strong safety Karl Joseph (42) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Daily Dawg Tags bring you all the Cleveland Browns news you need to know

Believe it or not, the Cleveland Browns have the third-best record in the AFC. Behind the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs, their 9-3 record is among the best in the conference.

Even so, they’re the No. 5 seed in the playoffs right now, since the No. 3 and No. 4 seed belong to the leaders of the AFC East and AFC South respectively. But that doesn’t mean the Browns should worry about their playoff spot since they’re the top Wild Card team with three clubs making it into the tournament.

And in fact, they can clinch their spot this coming week. There’s always a crazy formula but the main thing is, they put themselves in a position to punch their ticket should they be able to knock off the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football in Week 14.

A look at their chances leads things off in today’s Daily Dawg Tags — victory Monday edition.

Cleveland Browns News

How the Cleveland BrownsCan Make the Playoffs — Josh Katz, Kevin Quealy and Rumsey Taylor, New York Times

"“The Cleveland Browns (9-3) beat the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, boosting their chances of making the playoffs to 91 percent from 82 percent.”"

The article includes a table that shows that their chances increase to 99 percent with a win in Week 14. That seemed impossible not too long ago but now, the Browns are trending upward and the Ravens are in a free fall.

Browns’ statement win over Titans legitimizes team as postseason threat — Judy Battista, NFL.com

"“The Browns are 9-3, giving them the third-best record in the AFC behind only the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, the defending Super Bowl champions. And on Sunday, they finally won a game against an opponent that has accrued respect around the league because of its AFC Championship Game appearance last season, a victory that legitimizes the Browns franchise as a real postseason threat this season.”"

Not only could the Browns make it into the playoffs, but this win showed they can beat good teams. According to Judy Battista, this means they’re not just a postseason hopefully — they’re also a threat.

Hey Browns fans, this wasn’t just a win…it was a WOW! – Terry Pluto — Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer

"“This wasn’t a win, it was a WOW because the game wasn’t this close.I know, I’m using a lot of CAPITAL letters and exclamation points!!!”"

The final score made it look close but the Browns were in ‘kill the clock’ mode for the final 30 minutes of the game. We can criticize them all we want for that or we can take it for what it was — a great win against a quality opponent.

Next. Cleveland swept the AFC South. dark

Three Instant reactions to Cleveland Browns upset win over Tennessee Titans

Mitch Zoloty was excited about the Cleveland win, just as many of us were. Here, he looks back at the game and gives his three big reactions to their ninth win of the year.