4 Cleveland Browns who will decide playoff fate

1. Baker Mayfield, Quarterback

No player was more critical of themself after the Browns loss to New York than Baker Mayfield was. The Cleveland quarterback turned the ball over three times as he was constantly under duress and had three fumbles — including one on a fourth-down try late in the game as they hoped to tie the game.

While Mayfield is correct that he needs to protect the ball better, it’s kind of hard to beat him up for what happened in Week 16. Not only was he without any of the wideouts he’s used to throwing the ball to, but he was also without two starting offensive linemen.

Right guard Wyatt Teller was out and in his place was Nick Harris, a rookie center who has limited experience. Also out was left tackle Jedrick Wills who was out with an illness. Making matters worse, the top backup on the O-line has been Chris Hubbard who has played at tackle and guard this season and he was recently placed on injured reserve.

That had a lot to do with the Cleveland running game being non-existence as well as the fact that Mayfield had no time to throw. Still, Mayfield is using none of those excuses, no matter how valid they may be.

For the Browns, this is a good thing. No. 6 is at his best when he feels like he has something to prove and that’s the case in Week 17. He knows he had a chance to put the team on his back in Week 16 and he didn’t get it done. Now, he will be out to prove he can do that this weekend, making him the most important player in deciding how this game turns out.

Cleveland has not made it to the playoffs since 2002 and a win Sunday will finally end that drought.