The Browns are headed back to the playoffs. And headed into the final game, they'll be resting plenty of their starters.
That might not have sounded possible when news broke that quarterback Deshaun Watson would miss the remainder of the 2023 season. It already sounded complicated when star running back Nick Chubb was ruled out for the year in Week 2. And with every injury that was added up, the playoff chances would have felt likely to go down.
Instead, a team led by Joe Flacco and down to a third-string right tackle, a second-string left tackle and multiple other backups across the starting lineup has just continued to win down the stretch of the season, and finds itself locked into the playoffs with room to spare.
The Browns head into a Week 18 clash with the Bengals resting starters comfortably knowing that at this point is about rest for the upcoming wild-card matchup. Who will that matchup be against? Here's what you need to know.
LIVE: Updated NFL standings, playoff scenarios for Week 18
Who will the Browns play in NFL playoffs?
The Browns are locked into the No. 5 seed in the AFC, regardless of any outcome. The AFC South division winner is locked into the No. 4 seed.
Cleveland might know from which division its opponent will be. Which team, however, is still up in the air.
Jaguars
- Jaguars win
- Jaguars tie with Colts-Texans tie
Jacksonville would appear to be the most likely opponent for the Browns. The Jaguars are heading on the road to face the Titans, who have some starting quarterback questions given the recent injury to Will Levis. Jacksonville has its own question mark under center, however, with Trevor Lawrence likely to head into the game questionable.
There is still the unlikely scenario that every team in the AFC South finishes in a tie, which would still result in a Jaguars tie. But if Jacksonville loses to Tennessee, the Browns will not face Jacksonville.
The Browns played the Jaguars in Week 14, the last game in which Lawrence played. He played on the high ankle sprain in that game. The Jaguars still made it a close game, but Cleveland won 31-27.
Colts
- Colts win with Jaguars loss or tie
- Colts tie with Jaguars loss
It could be Indianapolis that winds up coming out of the fray with the AFC South title. First things first, on Saturday, the Colts need to win — or at least tie — their home tilt against the Texans.
The Colts would still punch their postseason ticket with a win. Indianapolis just needs a victory to ensure it will be no less than a wild card.
The Browns faced the Colts in Week 7, though it was a different looking Cleveland team. The Browns started P.J. Walker at quarterback, and edged the Colts 39-38 with a late touchdown.
Texans
- Texans win with Jaguars loss or tie
Lastly, the Texans are a possibility. Like the Colts, they're essentially hinging on a win and a loss or tie by the Jaguars in the final week of the season.
Also like the Colts, Houston only needs to win the game in order to clinch a spot in the playoffs. That would be enough to secure no less than a wild-card spot.
Houston played against the Browns in Week 16, though it was at less than full strength with C.J. Stroud out with a concussion. Case Keenum took the start but was benched after throwing two picks. Davis Mills threw a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns in the final 6:08 to play, though Cleveland still won comfortably 36-22.