The longer the Cleveland Browns remain in playoff contention, the closer that previously unrealistic expectation for this season comes to reality. With each additional victory, the Browns’ postseason probability increases, and their fans can dare to dream.
It becomes even more exciting when the Browns have a game they are favored to win, as in the case on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. A victory would put Cleveland at 5-2 and push their playoff chances above 75 percent.
That is why Bleacher Report analyst Alex Ballentine is making a bold playoff prediction for the Browns, saying they are set up to make a legitimate run at the postseason.
“They continue to find ways to win. It hasn’t been pretty, but they have AFC North wins over the Steelers and Ravens. The reality is that the Browns are setting themselves up for a run at the postseason, even if it’s ahead of their timeline as an organization. It might get ugly if the Browns reach the postseason, but Todd Monken’s team has a better chance of getting there than the average fan might think,” Ballentine wrote.
The Browns already gave themselves some important advantages by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, two AFC North rivals who are bound to take the close division race down to the wire, along with the Cincinnati Bengals. None of those teams has more than two losses so far, so every win against each other has added significance.
According to Tankathon, Cleveland also has the seventh-easiest remaining schedule in the league, with their remaining 11 opponents having a combined winning percentage of .461. By comparison, Baltimore, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh have the 10th, 11th and 12th hardest remaining schedules, respectively.
However, the Browns have stubbed their toes already this season, losing to the New York Jets on the road in Week 4. Another disappointing performance like that against the Titans in Week 7 would put a damper on those playoff hopes, as teams that are 4-3 have about a 63 percent chance to make the playoffs.
This game also begins a stretch of three straight on the road for the Browns, which is a difficult task no matter the opponents. After visiting Tennessee, Cleveland goes to Pittsburgh, where it will try to sweep the season series. That is followed by a trip to play the New Orleans Saints in Week 9, before coming home to play the Houston Texans leading into a bye week.
So, while it might be a good idea to hold off printing playoff tickets just yet, it could be wise to start putting a little money aside for them, just in case.
NEXT: Browns Have 2 Reasons Why They're Favored Against Titans
