Published October 29, 2008 02:46 am - BEREA — The Browns can dream, can’t they? While they’re at it, they can calculate.
Into the home stretch Browns back in the hunt, play four of next five in Cleveland
STEVE DOERSCHUK Canton Repository
BEREA — The Browns can dream, can’t they? While they’re at it, they can calculate.
Here’s how Cleveland is back in the playoff race despite its 0-3 start:
n The Browns can reach the halfway point of the season at 4-4 and be tied for the second wildcard spot if they beat Baltimore on Sunday in tandem with the Jets losing at Buffalo.
n Cleveland will pull to within one game of AFC North leader Pittsburgh if the Browns win their next two games — at home against Baltimore and Denver — while Steelers go 1-1 at Washington and at home against the Colts.
One key for the Browns is to be no worse than a game behind Pittsburgh for the Dec. 28 season finale at Heinz Field.
If the Browns beat Pittsburgh and those two teams wind up with the same record — assuming Baltimore fades — the AFC North title will come down to the tiebreaker formula.
The first tiebreaker is head-to-head competition. A Dec. 28 Browns win would make it 1-1.
The second tiebreaker is games within the division. That’s where the Browns’ Sept. 21 loss at Baltimore could sting. If the Browns win out against the Ravens, Bengals and Steelers, they would be 4-2 in the AFC North. Even if that happens, Pittsburgh must lose Nov. 20 to Cincinnati or Dec. 14 at Baltimore to match the Browns at 4-2.
Still, trailing the Steelers by two games puts the odds against a Browns division title.
On the other hand, a wildcard spot is realistic. That’s what a 3-1 hot streak can do for a team in the hole.
At the moment, New England (5-2) has the first spot. The Jets and Ravens, both 4-3, are tied for the second.
Suppose the Browns can put together another 3-1 stretch in games against the Ravens, Broncos, Bills and Texans. Easier said than done, but if they do it, there is little doubt they would be in control of one of the wildcard spots.
Other contenders will be knocking each other off. Consider some schedules for the next five weeks:
n Pittsburgh. At Washington, vs. Indianapolis, vs. San Diego, vs. Cincinnati, at New England.
n New England. At Indianapolis, vs. Buffalo, at NY Jets, at Miami, vs. Pittsburgh.
Position available for an experienced Branch Manager for our new Girard, PA office. Suc...>MORE
SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP Has a Part-time salaried opening for Zoning Inspector. Applicant must have the following: Valid Ohio Drivers License in ...>MORE
Firefighter / Medic Saybrook Township Trustees are accepting applications for up to one full-time Firefighter/ Medic for their Township Fire...>MORE
OPERATORS Strong mechanical/numerical skills Solid computer exp./Physically fit Former Factory Experience Excellent...>MORE
Salesperson Looking for experienced Salesperson, Part-Time, Apply in person, no phone calls. Days Inn, 600 Days Blvd., C...>MORE
Waitress PT Waitress, Exp. only. Apply in person. Lakeway Rest. Lake Ave....>MORE
Winder Operator Plastic extrusion operation hiring for Day Shift (7AM-7PM) and Night Shift (7PM - 7AM). Candidates must have a hi...>MORE
Ashtabula Property Manager/Maintenance Experience in Plumbing, Electrical & Carpentry. Fax resume to 440-428-6186...>MORE
THERMOFORMING DIVISION POSITIONS Myers Industries’ Lawn and Garden Group, (Dillen Products) has several opportunities in its Thermoforming operations in ...>MORE
CUSTOMER SERVICE Myers Industries’ Lawn and Garden Group, (Dillen Products) has several opportunities in its Customer Service Team in Mid...>MORE
Mobile Homes for Sale Whispering Willow 2BR & 3BR homes for sale starting at $7,900. Financing avail. 440-466-6403...>MORE
THE “CHANGE” WILL DO YOU GOOD
NORMANDY VILLAGE 55+ Manufactured Home Community 700 W. Main St. (Rt.20) Geneva, Ohio 44...>MORE
For Sale By Owner 64 West Jefferson Street Well-maintained Center Hall Colonial w/ Pool/Guest House, Heated pool, Gazebo & mo...>MORE
Lot For Sale 20 acres near Jefferson approximately 6 mature acres of woods and over 7000 seedlings. Great home or cabin setting $39,0...>MORE
MOBILE HOME FOR SALE CONNEAUT 2BR carport, large shed, dishwasher, appliances, AC, extras negotiable. $3500 obo. No land contracts. Conneaut 440...>MORE
House for Sale Andover 3BR 2.5BA Ranch Andover w/ full bsmt. Big country kitchen with island, pantry, family room, L shaped living and dining r...>MORE