Browns NFL Playoff Picture: Where Cleveland stands following pivotal Week 10 win

The Cleveland Browns helped themselves out big time in Week 10 with a win over the Baltimore Ravens. It’s the kind of win that can mean a lot at the end of the season when it’s time for the playoffs. By winning the game, Cleveland moved to just half a game back from the Ravens […]

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer

Nov 14, 2023 9:46 AM EST

By winning the game, Cleveland moved to just half a game back from the Ravens in the AFC North and three games above .500.

Cleveland has the postseason as their No. 1 goal this season, it is something that has to happen.

Playoff picture for the Browns if the season ended today:

Kansas City Chiefs (7-2) – 1st AFC West

Baltimore Ravens (7-3) – 1st AFC North

Jacksonville Jaguars (6-3) – 1st AFC South

Miami Dolphins (6-3) – 1st AFC East

Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) – Wild Card

Cleveland Browns (6-3) – Wild Card

Houston Texans (5-4) – Wild Card

AFC teams in the hunt:

Cincinnati Bengals (5-4)

Buffalo Bills (5-5)

Indianapolis Colts (5-5)

Las Vegas Raiders (5-5)

Los Angeles Chargers (4-5)

New York Jets (4-5)

If the playoffs started today, the Browns would be on the road against the Ravens as the No. 6 seed. A third meeting with the Ravens would be something. Each of the two teams has won a matchup, so it would make it a best of three on the season for a spot in the divisional round.

Currently, ESPN has the Browns with a 78 percent chance to make the playoffs. They believe the Browns will be in barring a collapse down the stretch.

What could a win in Week 11 do for Cleveland?

A win in Week 11 would be two straight wins for the Browns against AFC North opponents and could be pivotal down the road. Cleveland would move ahead of the Steelers into the fifth seed at worst with the win, with a chance to move even higher with some help. Pittsburgh won the first matchup and currently holds the tiebreaker.

What Cleveland is hoping for in Week 11 across the AFC:

Cleveland will be rooting for the other Ohio team on Thursday Night Football. If the Browns can win and the Bengals beat the Ravens, Cleveland would move into first in the AFC North. At this point in the season, it’s almost unheard of for the Browns to lead the division.

Additionally, Cleveland could benefit from the Raiders downing the Dolphins, though that is a very rough ask. The Jaguars are hosting the Titans in Week 11 and a Jacksonville loss would help the Browns out. That game is another tough ask.

If either of those teams loses, the Browns could potentially move into the third or fourth seed. Being a third or fourth seed is important, as you’re going to get a home game.