Browns are one of three teams alive for No. 1 seed in the AFC

Despite having four different quarterbacks start a game this season, the Cleveland Browns still have an opportunity for them that has been rare for the franchise. Cleveland has had the No. 1 seed in the playoffs just once and it was back in 1986. With the Kansas City Chiefs losing to the Las Vegas Raiders, […]

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer

Dec 25, 2023 7:13 PM EST

Despite having four different quarterbacks start a game this season, the Cleveland Browns still have an opportunity for them that has been rare for the franchise.

Cleveland has had the No. 1 seed in the playoffs just once and it was back in 1986. With the Kansas City Chiefs losing to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Browns are one of three teams that can grab the top seed in the AFC.

The #1 seed is officially down to 3 teams in the AFC:

– Ravens
– Dolphins
– Browns pic.twitter.com/RfS2FtvDjX
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 25, 2023

What do the Browns need to do to be the No. 1 seed in the AFC?

In terms of what Cleveland can control, they have to take care of business the final two weeks of the regular season. In Week 17 it is a home game against the New York Jets that Cleveland will be favored in. Still, the Jets have played tough defense all season and it could be one of those low-scoring games.

In Week 18, the Browns will travel to take on the Jake Browning-led Cincinnati Bengals. Cleveland ran past the Bengals to start the season, don’t expect it to be that easy again.

What help do the Browns need to win the AFC’s top seed?

It starts on Monday Night Football in Week 16, Cleveland could use some help from the 49ers. The Browns need the Ravens to lose two of their final three games and the first one is Monday night.

Baltimore closes the season with the Miami Dolphins, then the Pittsburgh Steelers. Additionally, the Browns need the Dolphins to lose one game. Ideally, the Dolphins beat the Ravens next week and turn around and lose to the Buffalo Bills.

To even be in a position to grab the No. 1 seed is a testament to the Kevin Stefanski-led Browns. We’ll see if they can take care of business and get some help along the way.