The Cleveland Browns did not get a lot of help from games that mattered to them in Week 15. Of the seven games of interest to the Browns, only two of them went the way the team wanted:
Chiefs vs Chargers – Browns were rooting for the Chiefs and Kansas City came back to win in overtime. The first of two games in Cleveland’s favor.
Patriots vs Colts – Colts winning was not what the Browns desired.
Panthers vs Bills – Not surprising but the Bills victory went against Cleveland’s best interests.
Jets vs Dolphins – Dolphins are making a late charge so their victory is not a shock. Browns hope they don’t have to worry about Miami at the end of the day but could.
Titans vs Steelers – It is interesting to watch the two mainstays at the top of the AFC North this season. Neither is willing to fade into the background easily. Pittsburgh’s win was the chagrin of Cleveland.
Broncos vs Bengals – Another Bengals victory keeps them at the top of the AFC North. The Browns have to face them again this year with a chance to lose the all-important tiebreaker they currently hold.
Packers vs Ravens – The only other game that went Cleveland’s way was the most important, at least for this week. With the Baltimore loss, the Browns can tie the Bengals and Ravens at the top of the division.
Not only that, given the tiebreaker criteria, Cleveland would be leading the AFC North and in the fourth seed in the AFC playoff chase at the end of Week 15 with a win over the Raiders Monday.
Only two games went in the Browns favor in Week 15 but the most important one did. Now they just need to handle their business against Las Vegas today.