Playoff Picture: where do the Cleveland Browns stand in the AFC playoff race?

Cleveland Browns playoff picture at Week 14

With the Cleveland Browns finishing the job against the Tennessee Titans, they improve to 9-3 for the first time since 1994. This has many thinking that the Browns are going to make the playoffs this year which would be the first time since 2002.

According to FiveThirtyEight’s interactive playoff picture, Cleveland currently has a 92 percent chance to make the playoffs. It is seeming more likely that Baker Mayfield and many of the Browns are going to play their first playoff games this January.

With the playoffs quickly approaching let’s answer a few questions about the Browns’ current playoff situation.

How soon can the Browns clinch a playoff spot?

The Browns are currently in control of their own destiny. If they continue to win, they will make the playoffs. Normally, if the Browns aren’t already eliminated at this point, they need to win and receive some help from other teams in contention. That is not the case this year.

Cleveland’s next game is at home against the Ravens on Monday Night Football. If they win that game, their chances of making the playoffs will increase to more than 99 percent. However, it isn’t quite enough to clinch a playoffs spot.

Next, in week 15, the Browns travel to MetLife Stadium to face the improved New York Giants. If they take care of business, there they will clinch their first playoff berth in 18 years.

The formula for clinching the playoffs in week 15 requires no help from any other teams. If the Browns win their next two games, they will guarantee themselves a spot in the playoffs.