Blinksportsnews247It speaks something about how unique the 2023 NFL season will be that Cleveland Browns fans may already be discussing playoff matchups with two games remaining in the regular season. Cleveland has a 99% chance of making the playoffs even though the Browns did not guarantee a postseason berth.
Though the top Wild Card slot appears to be the most likely position in the AFC playoff picture, the Browns still have a chance to win the AFC North. If the Baltimore Ravens lose on Monday Night Football Christmas Eve, the division becomes more likely.
Fans of Cleveland have begun to consider possible postseason opponents now that they have virtually guaranteed a playoffs spot. The Browns, with the fifth seed, will take against the division leader with the lowest record, the fourth seed, in accordance with NFL regulations that award division winners the top four slots.
Not only is the division still open, but so is the top overall seed, though it will be harder to get there with the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs both tied at 11 wins and hoping to win 10 on Monday.
According to current forecasts, Cleveland’s options include rematches with the Jacksonville Jaguars or Indianapolis Colts, two teams from the AFC South.
This season, the Browns have triumphed in close games against the Jaguars and Colts. Indianapolis supporters believe the game was stolen by the referees’ bad calls, so they would be seeking retribution.
The probable opponent in the second round would make for entertaining viewing during the Wild Card round as the team rested if Cleveland managed to upset the odds and earn the bye week.
Though a lot may change in the next two weeks, it’s interesting to start speculating about who the Browns might face in the playoffs this season.
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