With a little help, Cleveland can clinch a spot in the postseason on Sunday.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Alright, now it gets interesting…
The Browns are back at the Meadowlands Sunday to face the New York Jets, one week after beating the Giants at the same stadium. This time around, Cleveland could earn a late Christmas present, with a playoff berth potentially on the line.
BROWNS AT JETS: Preview, prediction, point spread, how to watch
There are a few odd scenarios involving ties, but here are the most simple options: If the Browns win today and either the Baltimore Ravens or Indianapolis Colts lose, the Cleveland will be headed to the postseason for the first time since 2002. The Browns will not be eliminated of those things do not occur, but things will get much more interesting next Sunday, especially with the Pittsburgh Steelers looming in the last game of the season and the AFC North title possibly up for grabs.
Cleveland’s playoff hopes became quite complicated on Saturday, in more ways than one: Multiple players (including virtually the entire receiving core) are out due to possible COVID-19 exposure, while other key pieces are either hurt or sick. What’s more, the Browns could’ve had a mere “win-and-in” situation, but those hope were squashed following a fourth quarter collapse last night by the Las Vegas Raiders against the contending Miami Dolphins.
Still, if there was ever a week to have some missteps, this might be it. The Jets come in at just 1-13 (earning their first victory last weekend against the Los Angeles Rams), and could fire head coach Adam Gase as soon as this week. While the Browns have surprised observers with a solid season, New York has done the exact opposite after entering with some high expectations, and at this point are only contending for the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft.
What follows is a drive-by-drive live blog of today’s action, with the most recent plays and updates closest to the top. Stay tuned for updates and analysis throughout the afternoon on 3News and WKYC.com.
PREGAME
A look at the list of Browns who will not play today, with some hurt and others waiting to see if they have the coronavirus:
- B.J. Goodson (reserve/COVID-19)
- Rashard Higgins (reserve/COVID-19)
- KhaDarel Hodge (reserve/COVID-19)
- Chris Hubbard (knee/IR)
- Jarvis Landry (reserve/COVID-19)
- Donovan Peoples-Jones (reserve/COVID-19)
- Jacob Phillips (reserve/COVID-19)
- Wyatt Teller (knee)
- Jedrick Wills Jr. (illness)
Nick Harris will start for Teller at right guard, while Kendall Lamm will fill in for Wills at left tackle. As for the receivers, Ja’Marcus Bradley and Derrick Willies have been elevated from the practice squad, while Marvin Hall will play his first game for Cleveland after being claimed off waivers from Detroit. Head coach Kevin Stefanski even held a walk-through for the new additions in a garage.