It seemed impossible at one point, when the hopes for the first overall pick seemed more feasible than a potential playoff appearance, but it has now flipped on its head. Thanks to a brutal year for the AFC North as a whole, the 3-8 Cleveland Browns weren’t completely out of the postseason race coming into Week 13.
They’ve had three quarterbacks handle playmaking responsibilities for them on the season. But the work Shedeur Sanders did in his first career start has to give the fan base quite a bit of optimism, especially for the long term. But even in the short term, the upside could be immediate with the new-look roster.
Can the Browns Still Make the Playoffs?
PFSN’s Playoff Predictor had Cleveland at 0.20% to make the playoffs before the game against the San Francisco 49ers. They had the same odds to win the AFC North, as it seems increasingly likely that only one team will make it to the postseason from that division.
The Browns suffered a 26-8 loss against the 49ers, and their bleak chances of making the postseason took a massive hit. Their chances of making the playoffs are now at 0%, and it is nearly impossible for them to make a run now.
The Browns now have a 6.5% chance to land the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Their current roster is bursting with talent at almost every position, with the future looking even brighter.
As things currently stand, no team has a decided edge over the other, with the Pittsburgh Steelers leading the division at 6-5. However, their 41-year-old quarterback is recovering from a fractured wrist.
Aside from Myles Garrett, who is on pace to break the all-time single-season sack record in short order, the rookies on the roster have almost all panned out to perfection, except the quarterback position, which remains in doubt, at least for the time being.
Mason Graham was an excellent addition to the defensive line, as he’s ranked 22nd on PFSN’s DT Impact. But, he isn’t the only one. Carson Schwesinger has slotted right into a stifling Browns defense, which has carried the organization to three wins this season.
Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin Jr., their two additions to the offense, have been nothing short of excellent. The former, after a delayed start to the year, has come into his own and is ranked No. 28 on PFSN’s RB Impact.
The latter, while not as prolific in his production for a piss-poor offense, has shown immense potential as a long-term piece. Ranked 23rd on PFSN’s TE Impact, he is leading the team in receiving yards and has two touchdowns.
With such an impressive cast on both sides of the football, the upside is undeniable with this roster, particularly if they can find an answer at the quarterback spot, whether it is Sanders or somebody else.
But, even this season, if the second-generation star can provide them stability under center, then a push for the postseason might not be completely out of the realm of possibility.
