However, it won’t exactly be easy for the Browns to make it in. ESPN Analytics gives them a 0.2 percent chance of making it in while the New York Times’ playoff machine gives them a one percent chance based on over 100,000 simulations.
Of course, for any of this to happen, the Browns must first win every game remaining on their schedule. ESPN says the chances of that happening are at 2.3 percent. And even if that happens, the New York Times’ predictor gives the Browns a 12 percent chance of making the playoffs if they win out (not accounting for any other outcome from other teams).
MORE: Ravens and Browns can now steal AFC North from Steelers
So, now that we have those nerdy numbers out of the way, let’s get down to what really matters.
How the Browns can make the 2018 playoffs
There are two ways for this to happen.
The first way is to win the AFC North, which sounds challenging, but is actually the most realistic of the two outcomes. The second way is to claim a wild-card slot in the AFC. The Chargers will more than likely earn the first wild-card spot (Browns have less than a one percent chance of claiming the first spot even if they win out). So since L.A. will likely have the first spot, we’ll explain how the Browns can get the second.
Let’s break down how Cleveland can accomplish both.
The Browns win the AFC North if …
They win their last three games (Broncos, Bengals, Ravens) AND the Steelers lose their last three games (Patriots, Saints, Bengals) AND the Ravens lose to the Browns and lose once more (Buccaneers, Chargers)
The Browns get a wild-card spot if …
They win their last three games (Broncos, Bengals, Ravens) AND the Dolphins lose two of their next three (Vikings, Jaguars, Bills) AND the Colts lose two of their next three (Cowboys, Giants, Titans) AND the Titans lose two of their next three (Giants, Redskins, Colts) AND the Ravens lose to the Browns and lose once more (Buccaneers, Chargers)
The Browns are sitting at 5-7-1 with the Dolphins, Ravens, Colts and Titans above them at 7-6, and the Broncos at 6-7. It’s going to be a struggle for the postseason in 2018, but Cleveland has shown promise this season for the future if nothing else.
