Thanksgiving games: One of the three NFC games matters to the Browns
Playoff tiebreakers could play a role this year in the AFC
There are no Thanksgiving games to watch for the Cleveland Browns or the rest of the AFC. With the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys playing on Thanksgiving every year, the NFC is in charge of the holiday in November, as they usually are.
Since all six of the participating teams are from the NFC this year, most AFC fans may enjoy their football without worrying about the outcome.
We’ve kept you updated on the Browns’ postseason progress with a rooting guide and a comprehensive analysis in our postseason Watch.
Due to tiebreaker rules, one of the games on today’s Turkey Day schedule could have an effect on Clevleand’s postseason prospects.
These are the first six tiebreakers for the division title in the AFC North, when the Browns are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens at one game apiece:
- Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games among the clubs).
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
- Strength of victory in all games.
- Strength of schedule in all games.
For a wild card spot, the top six changes a little:
- Head-to-head, if applicable.
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games, minimum of four.
- Strength of victory in all games.
- Strength of schedule in all games.
- Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed in all games.
The first four teams on the field today are not on Cleveland’s schedule, but the orange and brown have previously seen the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.As a friend on social media pointed out, the Browns’ victory over the 49ers could have an impact on the fifth and fourth tiebreakers noted above.
Simply put, the more San Francisco wins, the higher Cleveland’s postseason chances will be via tiebreakers.
Could it make a difference? Very much so (with a minor change to the tweet below: Baltimore would finish 5-1 with only six games remaining and a bye week):
Ex. If we go 6-1 to close the year, losing to HOU and BAL goes 6-1 to close the year, losing to SF…we’d be tied all the way down to SOV.
So, Browns supporters, sit back and relax for the first two games. Then, while fighting off a food coma, put on your garnet red and gold to cheer for the Niners in the late game.
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