Technically the Browns still have a shot at making the playoffs. Unfortunately, they have the same odds as an ice cube does in hell. With a win tonight in the snowy tundra of Buffalo, they can keep those hopes alive. A loss, and they can start planning for the 2009 Draft, but that looks like the inevitable.
In order for them to have an outside shot to make the playoffs they would need to finish the season 9-7. They can win tonight's game and next week with Houston coming to town. That would put them at 5-6 for the season. After Houston, we have two home games remaining, one versus the resurgent Colts and the last one against the hapless Bungles. So these four games we can possibly see them winning three of the four.
The rest of the schedule however does not bode well for the Brown and Orange. The three remaining road games after tonight have the Brownies facing the 10 and 0 Titans, The Iggles and Stillers. All three of those games will probably be losses. So that has the Browns staring down a 6 and 10 record and no chance at the playoffs. I hate writing that, but it is almost therapeutic at this point in coming to the grim realization that we will not have football in January.
If by some off chance that the Browns rekindle some of that magic from last season, they can win all of their remaining games. It sounds crazy, but not too far fetched. Remember this is the NFL, a league of parody. The Browns remain the only blemish on the Giants schedule, and they look poised for a repeat of last year. So let us pretend that they can do this for a moment…
Indianapolis is a winnable game. They seem to be on the down slide, and very vulnerable on offense and defense. If Peyton forgets that he his the better of the Super Manning Brothers, the Browns can win that one.
That said, one can't expect the Titans to go undefeated, no matter how much Titans' fans think lightning will strike again. Their defense is fantastic, but their offense is suspect due to an aging Kerry Collins at the helm. We can win that game, but it would take an unbelievable performance from our defense to get it done and it would be a low scoring affair. Chalk it up as a W.
Bring in the Eagles. Fighting for a playoff berth in the toughest division in the NFL this year. After yesterday's tie with the lowly Bungles… yes, this can be an easy Browns win. Put another has mark under the W column.
Bungles - W period. (There is no excuse to even think of losing to this team!)
Then the hated Steelers at Ketchup Field. Which is exactly what we will be looking to do here if the Browns can run the table into this game, CATCH UP. The Steelers defense is always tough, but their offense is always questionable, even with Roethlisberger under center. Can we win this one on faith alone? I just can't see it. I hate myself for thinking that, but Pittsburgh on the road with 17 losses in the last 20 games against the hated rival? We do not have a chance.
That would put us with an overall record of 9-7, and I believe a good enough record to get into the playoffs provided that the Ravens fall to 8-8.
But back to reality…
Realistically, I see us at 6-10, maybe 7-9. Is there an outside chance to run the table? Yes, but only because it's the NFL and the sun shines on a "dawg's butt" every now and then too. 9-7 may give the Browns a shot into the playoffs, but we'd need a lot of help and a miracle or two.
Here's my realistic assessment of the remaining schedule and my predictions for each. (ed note - subject to change based on week to week performance)
Tonight - at Buffalo, a win 20-17, 4-6 overall
11/13 vs. Houston, a win 33-17, 5-6 overall
11/30 vs. Indianapolis, a loss 35-27, 5-7 overall
12/7 at Tennessee, a loss 27-20, 5-8 overall (goodbye playoffs)
12/15 at Philadelphia, a win 30-21, 6-8 overall
12/21 vs. Cincinnati, a win 38-20, 7-8 overall
12/28 at Pittsburgh, a loss 17-9, 7-9 final record
I am hoping for the best, but keeping my feet firmly planted and expectations significantly lowered to ensure that my dedication as a Browns fan will one day pay off. Sounds all too familiar doesn't it?
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