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NFL playoff picture: The Browns aren't in yet, but they have the top wild card spot

Dan Kadar, Akron Beacon Journal
·4 min read

The Browns managed to win on Sunday against the Chicago Bears despite three interceptions from quarterback Joe Flacco and a running game that picked up just 29 yards. But in the end, it doesn't matter. The Browns are now 9-5 this season, and currently have the top wild card spot in the AFC.

Here's a look at how things stand for the Browns in the AFC playoff picture:

1. Baltimore Ravens (11-3)

AFC North leaders

The Ravens secured a playoff spot by easily taking care of the the Jacksonville Jaguars on "Sunday Night Football." The only good news for the rest of the AFC is the rest of Baltimore's schedule.

Remaining schedule: at 49ers, vs. Dolphins, vs. Steelers

2. Miami Dolphins (10-4)

AFC East leaders

The Dolphins obliterated the lowly New York Jets on Sunday. Why would Aaron Rodgers come back for this them at this point? That could be good news for the Browns in a couple weeks.

Remaining schedule: vs. Cowboys, at Ravens, vs. Bills

3. Kansas City Chiefs (9-5)

AFC West leaders

They may not look like the Chiefs of years past, but Kansas City maintains its handle on the floundering AFC West. The Chiefs could coast into the playoffs.

Remaining schedule: vs. Raiders, vs. Bengals, at Chargers

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6)

AFC South leaders

The Jaguars dropped a game on "Sunday Night Football" to the Ravens, and narrowly hold a lead in the AFC South thanks to their head-to-head performance against the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans. The AFC South has three 8-6 teams, so this could come down to the final week of the season.

Remaining schedule: at Buccaneers, vs. Panthers, at Titans

5. Cleveland Browns (9-5)

Wild card No. 1

The Browns had to come from behind on Sunday to beat the Chicago Bears. It wasn't pretty, but it doesn't matter. It sure seems like if the Browns have Myles Garrett (and kicker Dustin Hopkins), they have a chance.

Remaining schedule: at Texans, vs. Jets, at Bengals

6. Cincinnati Bengals (8-6)

Wild card No. 2

The Cincinnati Bengals kept pace on Saturday, moving to 8-6 this season after beating the Minnesota Vikings in overtime. Are the Bengals a team of destiny behind backup quarterback Jake Browning? Are the Browns and Bengals hurtling toward a Week 17 showdown where the winner gets in the playoffs?

Remaining schedule: at Steelers, at Chiefs, vs. Browns

7. Indianapolis Colts (8-6)

Wild card No. 3

Good news for the Colts: They've won five of six games, including this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bad news for the Colts: Two of their losses this season are against the Browns and Bengals and head-to-head matchups are the first playoff tiebreaker in the NFL.

Remaining schedule: at Falcons, vs. Raiders, vs. Texans

8. Houston Texans (8-6)

Not in the playoff field

Houston was without star rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud on Sunday, turning to veteran backup Case Keenum. But he did just enough for the Texans to keep pace with the Colts for the final playoff spot in the AFC. A week 17 game between the two teams looms large.

Remaining schedule: vs. Browns, vs. Titans, at Colts

9. Buffalo Bills (8-6)

Not in the playoff field

Buffalo had perhaps the most impressive win of the week with a 31-10 destruction of the hot Dallas Cowboys. Josh Allen and Co. are starting to look like the team many thought was the favorite to win the AFC. A loss to the Bengals earlier this season could prove costly.

Remaining schedule: at Chargers, vs. Patriots, at Dolphins

10. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7)

Not in the playoff field

The Pittsburgh Steelers were dealt a serious blow to their wild card bid with a loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The Steelers are in free fall after losing three consecutive games.

Remaining schedule: vs. Bengals, at Seahawks, at Ravens

11. Denver Broncos (7-7)

Not in the playoff field

Following a five-game winning streak — including in Week 12 against the Browns — the Broncos have lost two of their last three games. They do, however, have a favorable schedule.

Remaining schedule: vs. Patriots, vs. Chargers, at Raiders

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) completes a catch in the third quarter of a Week 15 NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bengals won 27-24 in overtime.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) completes a catch in the third quarter of a Week 15 NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bengals won 27-24 in overtime.

AFC North division standings

  • Baltimore Ravens: 10-3 (3-2 in division, 6-3 in conference)

  • Cleveland Browns: 9-5 (3-2 in division, 6-3 in conference)

  • Cincinnati Bengals: 8-6 (0-4 in division, 3-6 in conference)

  • Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-7 (3-1 in division, 5-5 in conference)

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: AFC playoff picture: Browns chances improve to secure spot