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

Can the Browns steal the AFC North from the Steelers?

Okay, before you click off of this article, let me explain. The short answer is no, the Browns probably cannot win the AFC North. But with the Steelers’ surprise loss to the Washington Football Team and their tough remaining schedule, there is still a chance.

According to The New York Times’ interactive playoff picture, Cleveland currently has only a 4 percent chance of taking the AFC North from the Pittsburgh Steelers. This, however, could change if a few games fall the Browns way.

The Browns have one of the easier remaining schedules in the NFL. Their last four games are: vs Baltimore, at New York Giants, at New York Jets, vs. Pittsburgh. The Steelers have one of the toughest remaining schedules in the NFL. Their last four games are: at Buffalo, at Cincinnati, vs Colts, at Browns.

If the Browns are able to win their next three games, which is probable due to their opponents, and the Steelers lose two of their next three games, which could happen since they play the Colts and the Bills in that stretch, then it would set up for a week 17 matchup for the division.

This is a longshot that most likely will not happen, but it is hard to not get excited imagining a week 17 home game against Pittsburgh for the AFC North division title.