Here’s what needs to happen for the Browns to make the playoffs

The Cleveland Browns have not yet been eliminated from the playoffs but they need plenty of help if they want to get into the postseason.

If the Cleveland Browns want to keep their slim playoff hopes alive they need to win their remaining three games first and foremost — that much they control. If they were to lose a game it would put their hopes out of reach and the season will end in Week 18.

But they don’t control their own destiny and they’re going to need a lot of help — in addition to their three wins — if they want to play in the postseason.

The Browns already got some help this week with the Jaguars beating the Jets on Thursday Night Football which they needed to happen. Cleveland needs five of the following seven items to happen if they want to win the wild card.

Raiders go 2-1 or worse

Jaguars go 2-1 or worse — or Titans go 2-1 or worse

The Jets go 1-1 or worse (needed to lose two but already lost to the Jaguars on TNF)

Patriots go 1-2 or worse

The Dolphins go 0-3

The Chargers go 0-3

The Ravens go 0-3

The Dolphins and Chargers likely aren’t going to lose all their remaining games but if Lamar Jackson continues to be out due to injury, the Ravens losing out isn’t impossible. The Patriots lost in an embarrassing fashion last week to the Raiders could that have a lasting effect and lead to more losses?

New York’s offense is a mess even though they have a great defense and if Mike White doesn’t come back soon, it will be hard for them to beat anyone. So there are the scenarios for who to root for this weekend and beyond Browns fans.

Hope isn’t gone just yet, but we need a lot to go right.