The Cleveland Browns began the season with high hopes, but an opening 1-6 record—marked by a string of disappointing losses—has left them looking up from the AFC basement. Yet in a season full of missteps, the Browns might have found new life in veteran quarterback Jameis Winston, who stepped in after Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury in Week 7.
Winston’s performance against Baltimore was promising: he threw for over 330 yards, three touchdowns, and—perhaps most impressively—no interceptions. Browns fans have waited to see that level of composure and playmaking all season. So, with nine games remaining, is there still a way for Cleveland to claw its way into playoff contention?
The answer depends on a few factors, but the Browns have to start by consistently winning games. At 2-6, Cleveland is four games below .500 and will likely need at least a 6-3 finish to realistically enter the playoff picture. For a team that struggled to find offensive rhythm under Watson, the path forward is arduous. Yet, if Winston’s play against Baltimore is any indication, the Browns could be on the verge of a midseason turnaround.
Capitalize on Momentum and Manage the Schedule
The Browns enter Week 9 against the Los Angeles Chargers, a team with playoff aspirations of their own. This game is more than just a must-win; it’s an opportunity for Cleveland to build confidence and chemistry under Winston, who has been waiting in the wings for his chance to revive his career. After the Chargers, the Browns get a much-needed bye before traveling to New Orleans. With a winnable game against the Saints and a rested roster, Cleveland could find itself with real momentum heading into a brutal stretch against AFC North rivals.
Stay Competitive in the AFC North Gauntlet
In the Browns’ path to the playoffs lies the daunting AFC North, where every game counts double. After the bye, Cleveland will face Pittsburgh twice in three weeks, with a Denver road game sandwiched in between. The Steelers’ defense will be a tough test for Winston, but a split in these divisional matchups—ideally winning at least one of the Steelers games—would keep Cleveland alive. And then comes a December showdown with the AFC-leading Kansas City Chiefs, a game few expect Cleveland to win. However, the Browns have often played up to competition in the past, and pulling off an upset could propel them into serious contention.
Minimize Turnovers and Lean on the Defense
Winston’s long-standing reputation for throwing interceptions is something Cleveland’s offensive staff must carefully manage. While he avoided turnovers against Baltimore, a single game doesn’t erase past tendencies. The Browns’ coaching staff will need to strike a balance, allowing Winston to make big plays without forcing risky throws. Meanwhile, the Browns’ defense—which has been one of the few consistent elements of their season—must continue its relentless play. Against higher-powered offenses like Kansas City’s, Cleveland’s defense could make the difference, turning tight games into low-scoring affairs and giving Winston a manageable chance to lead a win.
The Wildcard Path: Outlasting the AFC Wildcard Race
Looking beyond the AFC North, Cleveland’s playoff fate could also hinge on a wild card slot. In this race, every AFC matchup will be critical. With a 2-6 record, Cleveland sits among a crowded group of struggling teams in the East and South. The Patriots and Jets, also at 2-6, may be competing against Cleveland for those last playoff spots, while Miami could also be a major threat down the stretch – if Tua Tagovailoa can manage to not receive another concussion, despite his resistance to protecting his head with a guardian cap.
Ultimately, it’s not impossible, but Cleveland will need to thread the needle between discipline, momentum, and a bit of good fortune. The season could easily go south, but if Winston continues to protect the ball and if Cleveland can secure critical division wins, the playoffs aren’t out of reach. For Browns fans, there’s hope—but make no mistake, this isn’t a story of instant transformation. It’s a battle, one that could define a season that’s only just beginning to show a glimmer of promise.
