Fact or fiction: Has this rookie resurrected his career in Cleveland?
The Browns defeated the Bears, 20-17, after rallying from a 10-point fourth-quarter hole. But there was more going on in the NFL than just the game in Cleveland.
Every week, we’ll go over the top stories and possible narratives from around the NFL.
We’re following in the footsteps of the 1990s show “Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction,” which you might recognize from host Jonathan Frakes’ memes, to help us evaluate these plots and narratives.
Every week, we’ll assess whether several of the league’s top topics are true or false, just like Frakes. Here are this week’s top six storylines.
1. The Browns have resurrected Joe Flacco’s career
Verdict: Fact.
But in the fourth quarter, Flacco came alive, leading the Browns on three scoring drives. His 51-yard TD pass in a tight window to Amari Cooper tied the game at 17, and then he led a drive to set up Dustin Hopkins for the eventual game-winning field goal from 33 yards out.
2. The unrelenting surge of injuries isn’t enough to stop the Browns
Verdict: Fiction.
Even with the victory over the Bears, the injuries continue to pile up. The most notable player to leave the game was left guard Joel Bitonio.
He was injured in the first quarter and was ruled out at halftime.
Consider the names the Browns have lost this season. All things considered, the fact that they work 9-5 is almost astounding.
On Sunday, their injuries nearly caught up with them, as they needed Flacco’s brilliance and a lucky bounce off Bears receiver Darnell Mooney to escape with the win.
With 80% of their starting offensive line sidelined, the Browns struggled to protect Flacco. They also lacked a Week 1 starting safety and any sort of a running offense.
Realistically, the Browns might only need one win to get into the playoffs. Two all but guarantees them a postseason spot.
3. The AFC division leaders should be rooting for the Bills to miss the playoffs
Verdict: Fact.
4. Any of the NFC’s three best teams would be the best team in the AFC
Verdict: Fact.
San Francisco proved its three-game slump is a thing of the past as it’s now won six straight including a 45-29 win at Arizona. The Eagles and Cowboys were each blown out in their last game, although I don’t think those are indicative of the type of teams they are. As bad as the Cowboys looked in Buffalo, I think that was just more about the Bills needing it more than Dallas and playing like it.
5. The Buccaneers are the one NFC South team that can win a playoff game
Verdict: Fiction.
6. The only team that can realistically catch the Ravens for the top seed is the Chiefs
Verdict: Fact.