Can the Cleveland Browns make the NFL Playoffs this season?

The Cleveland Browns managed to hang onto a tiny chance of making the playoffs by upsetting Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Cleveland defeated the Buccaneers 23-17 in overtime to improve to 4-7 overall. While the Browns are still out of the playoff places, Sunday's victory was sufficient to keep them in the running.

They've fallen in six of the previous eight, but Deshaun Watson's comeback could make a difference in the playoff chase if he starts strong. In principle, Watson's reinstatement from a 11-game ban due to accusations of sexual assault and misbehavior could be the turning point in Cleveland.

By Week 15, they could be 7-7 and in the midst of the action. They'll have to give it their all in every game because one more mistake will almost certainly mean the end of the Browns' postseason chances.

It won't be simple because Cleveland have a demanding schedule ahead of them. Due to this, their chances of reaching the playoffs may realistically be over.

Analyzing the Cleveland Browns' playoff hopes

The last time Cleveland participated in the postseason, they lost in the Divisional Round of the 2020 season. In their 60 years, they've made the playoffs 17 times. There are some winnable fixtures left on their schedule, and if they had performed better early on, the playoffs would seem more feasible.

It is reasonable to anticipate victories over the Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Although it will doubtless be tough. The Texans have previous with Watson, the Steelers are a division rival and the Saints have a very tough defense. Matchups with the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Washington Commanders appear challenging.

Cleveland's chances of catching Baltimore and Cincinnati look exceedingly slim, as relying on them to lose multiple games is a rough state of affairs. Conceivably, a Wild Card spot is their route to the postseason. Last season, five franchises made the playoffs with seven losses, but only one made it with eight. Hence, another loss will likely kill the Browns' chances.

There is a foundation in place for Cleveland to possibly spark and push their way towards the playoffs. However, they have no real control over their playoff trajectory. They will have to put up big numbers and string wins together quickly if they are to have any chance.