By winning today, the Steelers allowed the Browns to control their own destiny next week. Had Pittsburgh lost to Indy today, and if Indy would have won next week, the results of the Browns/Steelers game would have made a Browns victory null.
However, as it stands, if the Browns win next week, we’re in the playoffs. I like our chances as I expect Pittsburgh to rest their starters.

Hopefully we have our 7 starters back

we do NOT control our own destiny next week any more than we did this week.

We have like ONE scenario to get in next week: we must beat Pittsburgh AND the Dolphins have to lose.

We're done. The season effectively ended two fiscal hours ago.

Nope. Colts are the odd team out right now. Win and we are in. Browns are currently the #7 seed and Colts on the outside looking in.

According to the ESPN playoff calculator, if all contending teams win, we are in. I posted the pic in the playoff thread.

well, damn!
I stand corrected. I thought I had just ran all of these scenarios during the game; apparently, I did not.

That’s not true. Because Indy lost, they need to win and need us to lose next week. Had Indy won, they would simply need to win next week. Pittsburgh did us a huge solid by beating them today. - Not only does this allow the Browns to control their own destiny, but it increases the likelihood that Pitts’ will rest their starters next week.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/machine

Dolphins can win and as long as we beat the steelers we are in.

Yup; I stand corrected.

We beat the Steelers and we are in......Honestly, I do not like our chances.

I don't think so....win and in is how I see it.

I can't Thank the Steelers.

Thank You Colts for losing.

I’m not sure, but I’m thinking they’ll rest their starters. They are going to do what is best for them. Either way, if we can’t beat them next week, then we don’t belong in the playoffs. - Losing to them and the Ravens twice each.

NFL playoff picture: Browns need to beat Steelers to make playoffs
Dan Kadar
Akron Beacon Journal

The Browns could have clinched a playoff berth with a win and a loss by either the Baltimore Ravens or Indianapolis Colts.

But by losing to the New York Jets 23-16, the Browns were unable to clinch a playoff spot in Week 16.

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Colts 28-24, which helps the Browns. But the Ravens beat the New York Giants 27-13, which dramatically diminished the Browns' chances of making the playoffs.

Now things come down to Week 17 against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers.

It's simple. If the Browns beat the Steelers, they're in. If they lose to the Steelers, the Browns will need help, but they can still squeak in.

Indeed! I created the wrong title for this thread. Lol.

Next week, if Miami , Indy, and Ravens win, and both Cleveland and Tennessee lose, the Browns are in.

Or if Cleveland wins, Cleveland is in!

Beat Pittsburgh????

We need to say our prayers.

Cleveland is not winning next week.

I see the Steelers playing everybody, and us having many players out again. IMO, the loss today did us in. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted

You might be right - idk... but even if the WR's are out, we'll have a week to prep. Finding out 48 hours or less before the game is brutal.

All I wanted was to be playing for something at season's end. If this is correct, that we can win in, let's go get it. We stunk it up today, especially BM. Desire is not points on the board.

I was so angry with this group today.

You are correct.

So basically the Browns need to beat Pittsburgh. Colts aren't losing to Jacksonville at home. I can't see Pittsburgh resting anyone. They are still trying to get their act together. Plus, as the Browns would LOVE to eliminate the Steelers in any other year, you know they are thinking the same thing. The Browns MUST have all their players back next week or the season is over. Period.

All the receivers should be back. Goodson is out. It doesn’t look good for Wills at this point. Teller and Harrison will be up in the air all week.

Why doesn't it look good for Wills?

Because he missed today’s game with an “illness”. My guess is that he’ll land on the COVID list tomorrow.

I am pretty sure I read it was not covid related and more flu like.

Just read he is being tested. Maybe it is covid related.

That is incorrect. We need to win next week, if we lose we need the Colts to lose to Jacksonville.

I could have sworn I read somewhere that the NFL told the Browns that Wills wasn't playing today due to his "illness". Doesn't sound good. But whatever. F the NFL.

Lane Adkins posted about an hour ago that he's being tested for covid. Doesn't mean it's covid, but obviously they suspect it might be.

Man, I thought he was negative.

If Lamm has to play against PIttsburgh that’s no bueno

I'm a Jaguars fan next sunday

We aren't making the playoffs.

Everyone should come to grips with that.

On to next year. We are set on offense. Hopefully Berry can shore up the defense.

Look, if Lamm and the rookie RG (name escapes me right now) have to play next week, then DEVELOP a scheme that allows them to be helped. If you KNOW you can't block their 4 or 5 with your 5 then CHANGE the scheme. If your QB is facing heavy pressure, then FIGURE out how to defeat that pressure in the screen game or quick, short passing game. This is what coaches are PAID to do. It's not the Steelers defensive strategy is a secret at this point. SMH

This is the reasonable line of thinking. Get some help at LB and DB. And get a damn kicker. Say goodbye to OBJ, Parkey and Sendejo. That would be a GREAT start.

Parkey started off steady, but he’s really fallen off. He’s got no confidence and you can see it

I agree. You can see the nerves in his face.

My Dad and I were talking about this today on what each other would do if we scored a TD on the last drive. We both said go for 2. Even if we failed, I would have felt better knowing we went for it than not.

i was saying the same thing ... I didnt trust parkey AT ALL to make it

Pittsburgh minus-7 1/2 v Browns, per http://BetOnline.ag.

Wow

BetOnline opened Browns -7.5, and it's currently -7 next week vs. PIT.

That is just ridiculous! I think Cleveland should be favored here. They have so much more to play for.

Scottish Hammer can kick it. He’s got the leg from 65, we need Phil back for the shorter ones.

I don't like our chances, us trying to beat a team that has OWNED us the last 20 years? On the other hand, since it it virtually a playoff game next week, if we can't get fired up for a division rival at home and whoop them, then we deserve to sit at home this winter

An interesting note. It looks like if the Browns win next week... and Buffalo wins... the Browns will be 6th Steelers 4th and play again the next week. If the Dolphins beat the Bills then... Steelers would be 2nd and the Browns 7th.. and would play again next week.

Playing a team 3 times is always tough.. let alone in back to back games. Obviously win is always the plan but I wonder how much matchups even enter into the equation.

HACK

I agree. All of a sudden all those receivers are going to test positive

Probably because Vegas already knows that the nfl is going to "find" a bunch more "close" contacts

From a steelers fans view. I'd you could put a number on it, what would the percentage be that the Steelers play thier starters?

couldn't help it- I had to laugh.

Cleveland is favored according to the spread. Browns are -7.

Honestly I don't know. On the one hand it would be nice to sit some guys and get a weeks rest. But you can only sit so many people. Which means a lot of starters will still be playing... and if you are playing guys, you don't want them getting hurt in a game you decided was not important enough to play everyone... plus you really don't want to back in especially against a team you may have to play again in a week

But on the other hand. You try to build momentum, right the ship, knock a rival out of the playoffs and not have to face them again.

Ideally.. you start everyone.. hope to build a lead and sit guys second half.

If it's me..I play the starters. I want nothing to do with the Browns on back to back weeks.

HACK

If we make the playoffs, all Browns fans that wanted Indianapolis to win today, need to sit in the corner for the playoffs.

It was reckless for you to want a different result.

I agree w/you. If I was Tomlin and the staff, I’d play everyone. I’d want the momentum and to continue my dominance over Cleveland. Winning this game can still be meaningful

Muni, I certainly feel it but just can't bring myself to say it or type it.