Browns sacrifice in Week 18 loss helped the AFC North join NFL history
Cleveland Browns went into Week 18 wanting to win and be competitive but had to make the choice that led to a couple of things. Cincinnati Bengals handed the Browns a 31-14 loss that moved the Bengals to 9-7 on the season. Cincinnati isn’t heading to the playoffs, so they were able to play their […]
Cleveland Browns went into Week 18 wanting to win and be competitive but had to make the choice that led to a couple of things.
Cincinnati Bengals handed the Browns a 31-14 loss that moved the Bengals to 9-7 on the season. Cincinnati isn’t heading to the playoffs, so they were able to play their best available players in the final game of the season.
With the Bengals grabbing the win, the AFC North became the first division in 88 years to have all teams finish above .500. It is so
AFC North standings after Week 18
- Ravens (13-4)
- Browns (11-6)
- Steelers (10-7)
- Bengals (9-7)
The deck was stacked against the Browns the moment they decided to not play their starters. But with the injuries they’ve suffered this season, it was no surprise they went with that choice.
You don’t start Jeff Driskel and Pierre Strong in football games that you are planning to win. Cleveland still had to deal with Joe Mixon, who had 111 yards rushing and two total touchdowns.
Cleveland had a couple of strong showings on defense. Alex Wright got sack No. 5 on the season and is primed to have a more significant role next season. D’Anthony will play a ton next week but had to start due to how thin Cleveland is at safety. He continued his solid streak of play with an interception.
Week 18 was the last leg to show that the AFC North is the best division in football. They made some history and that’s likely a positive for even the Browns, who were on the wrong hand of the loss.
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