The last time the Cleveland Browns made the playoffs was in 2002.
With the new playoff formatting, the Browns have a great chance of making the playoffs this year.
They are in third place in the AFC North with a record of 5-3.
Although they are dealing with multiple injuries, they believe they have many winning games remaining on their schedule.
But, general manager, Andrew Berry, wants to take the focus off the playoffs.
Rather, he wants to worry about their next opponent.
Andrew Berry Focused On Returning From The Bye Week
The Browns are coming off a 16-6, loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8.
After the bye week, they will face the struggling Houston Texans.
GM Andrew Berry, wants his team to remain focused on the next opponent and not the big picture of making the playoffs.
Berry stated the following:
“I am not naive to the fact that really a playoff appearance for any franchise is special, because each season really is sacred and the chance to compete and ultimately get in the tournament. That all being said, our focus is really on attacking our opponents one week at a time and taking care of the little things on a weekly basis, because if we are able to successfully accomplish that, the big things will take care of themselves.”
The so-called, “1-0 each week approach” is very smart for a young team to adapt.
Berry understands that in order to accomplish the goals of the bigger picture — in this case, making the playoffs — the Browns must first win enough games.
This Cleveland team are dealing with a plethora of injures that might cause some hurdles along the way.
Cleveland Browns Remaining Schedule
Although Andrew Berry is right in the approach he wants to take, Browns fans are already dreaming of the playoffs.
It’s been nearly two decades since this team has made the playoffs, so you cannot blame them for that.
Fans have dealt with years of disaster, including disfunction in the front office, followed up by numerous “franchise QB’s” that have barely lasted a full year.
Up until now, where they seem to have a grip on about everything.
Although Baker’s future in this league is up in the air, he at least has this team on the right track.
#Browns now with a 53.4% chance to make the playoffs, according to ESPN FPI
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) November 2, 2020
Let’s ponder into the “what if” world and see how the Browns can potentially pan out given the remainder of their schedule.
Mike Clay currently has Cleveland with the easiest schedule remaining in the NFL.
NFL Rest-of-Season Strength of Schedule #clayprojections pic.twitter.com/dYQVvMs3Ni
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) November 3, 2020
5 of their 8 remaining opponents have a record under .500.
Now, that doesn’t guarantee any victories.
As one of those teams, New York Giants, just went to toe-to-toe with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football.
In fact, many felt the Giants should have won that.
But, with that said, the Browns probability of making the playoffs increases when their opponents have poor records of the year.
I would personally say 9 wins are needed to be a Wild Card team in the AFC.
It shall be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out for the Cleveland Browns as they look to end their playoff drought.
NEXT: Andrew Berry: 'We Explored a Number of Trade Possibilities At Deadline'
