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The Cleveland Browns still have no concerns about making the playoffs

By Greg Newland

Oct 10, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns
May 14, 2021; Berea, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski (left) watches camp with general manager Andrew Berry during rookie minicamp at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Even though the Cleveland Browns are 3-2 with two difficult losses, they still have a great chance to win the division and make the playoffs.

As I sit here drinking coffee midweek, I’ll admit, I’m still not over the Cleveland Browns loss on Sunday to the Los Angeles Chargers. The two things I can’t get out of my mind, the defensive pass interference call on fourth down, and the play-calling after the missed extra point.

It’s in the past now, so I don’t want to dwell. However, there’s some information that made my morning much better, and that is the playoff picture for the AFC. Here’s a quick breakdown of why the Browns should have no fears.

The easy two. The AFC East and AFC South are both bad. The Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans will win these divisions with ease, and there really isn’t a great threat of a playoff team now. The only team that has a record better than 1-4 is the New England Patriots at 2-4.

The Patriots will always be a threat with Bill Belichick, but they still have games vs. the Cowboys, Browns, Titans, and Bills twice. Not saying they can’t rattle off a 9-8 season, but that won’t get them in as a wildcard.

What does that mean, there will likely be all three wildcards coming out of the AFC West and the AFC North this year, and the Browns still have plenty of those games ahead of them. The two huge non-division games remaining, the Broncos and Raiders. The Browns must win these games to stay ahead in the wildcard race.

On the flip side of chasing the wildcard, remember, the Browns haven’t even played a divisional game yet. It’s going to be an extremely tough year with the Bengals and Steelers still capable, but even with the Raiders at 4-1, they have had to have some freakish comebacks in the first five weeks.  I’m not sure their luck runs that far.

Bottom line, as bummed out as everyone is about the loss on Sunday, it’s time to regroup and focus on the future.

Next. 4 Browns with plummeting stock. dark

Beating the Cardinals at home will be huge for morale and confidence, the but the must-win game comes just four days later on Thursday night when the Denver Broncos come to town.

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