Browns news: Playoffs can be clinched, even without a win in Week 17
By Randy Gurzi
With 10 wins under their belt and two games to play, the Cleveland Browns have incredible odds to make the playoffs. All they need to do is win one more game and that could happen in their home finale against the New York Jets.
Even if that doesn't work out, there are still other options for them. As is often the case at this point in the season, there are a myriad of ways a team can gain ground. In today's news round-up we check out an article that shows every way Cleveland can punch their ticket on Sunday.
Cleveland Browns news
How the Browns can clinch a playoff berth in Week 17, even if they lose to the Jets — Dan Labbe, Cleveland.com
"This week is much simpler. The Browns clinch a playoff berth with a:
1. Browns win or tie vs. Jets OR
2. Steelers loss or tie at Seahawks (Sunday at 4:05 p.m.)
OR
3.Bills loss vs. Patriots (Sunday at 1 p.m.) OR
4. Jaguars loss or tie vs. Panthers (Sunday at 1 p.m. OR
5. Texans loss or tie vs. Titans (Sunday at 1 p.m.) + Colts loss or tie vs. Raiders (Sunday at 1 p.m.)"
The scenarios were a bit tough to follow in Week 16 but this one is easy — win and they're in. Dan Labbe pointed out that this was likely since Cleveland is the home favorite but as you can see, even if something goes wrong, they can still clinch a spot with one week to go. Still, winning against New York feels like the least stressful.
3 Big Takeaways: WR Amari Cooper sets Browns' records in win over the Texans — Kelsey Russo, Cleveland Browns website
“To be completely candid, I would attribute most of it to Joe,” Cooper said, ClevelandBrowns.com. “He has an incredible feel for the game. He has an incredible arm. I think, obviously, with the relationship between a receiver and a quarterback, it’s a symbiotic relationship. The best way to explain it is that we mesh well together.”
This is the greatest takeaway from the Browns win on Sunday — the playmakers are better with Joe Flacco throwing them the ball. Not only did Amari Cooper break a franchise record but David Njoku had his first ever multi-touchdown game as a pro in Week 14. He's also scored four touchdowns over the past three weeks. His previous season high was four touchdowns. Let that sink in.
4 quarterbacks Browns can sign to replace Dorian Thompson-Robinson — DPD
Dorian Thompson-Robinson suffered a hip injury on Sunday and is now on the IR. In his place will be P.J. Walker, who was elevated from the practice squad. Cleveland went with Walker over DTR earlier in the season but they switched course following several turnovers. If they still don't feel confident in Walker, here are some names they could look to add to the practice squad for competition.
AFC North Power Rankings Week 17: Browns, Ravens create separation — DPD
The Steelers defeated the Bengals which put the other Ohio team in the cellar. While they were beating up on one another, the Browns went out and took care of the Texans. The Ravens were the last team to play this week and they shocked us all in destroying the 49ers.
Browns new kicker Riley Patterson great but has one potential fatal flaw — DPD
Riley Patterson is as good of a Plan B as the Browns were going to get in Week 17. They should have no problem turning to him against the Jets but there's one thing he doesn't do as well as Dustin Hopkins — drill kicks from beyond 50.