How the Browns can still make the NFL playoffs with Deshaun Watson

The Cleveland Browns held some slender prospects for the postseason by defeating Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home in Week 12. Deshaun Watson returns in Week 13.

With a win over Tampa Bay, the Cleveland Browns improved their record to 4-7, just a few games out of the NFL Playoff in the AFC. As it currently stands, the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals are tied for last place in the postseason at 7-4.

for every FiveThirtyEightThe Browns only have a 7 percent chance of making the playoffs, even after Sunday’s win. But what that percentage can’t factor in is running back quarterback Deshaun Watson, who missed the first 11 games of the season due to a suspension stemming from sexual assault allegations.

When is Deshaun Watson returning?

Deshaun Watson was suspended 12 games prior to the start of the regular season. He will return in Week 13 against his old team, the Houston Texans. The Browns will likely be favored for this contest, given that Lovie Smith’s team is battling mightily in a race to the bottom for the No. 1 overall pick.

Watson It was broken due to allegations of sexual assault.

Can Brown make the playoffs?

Certainly, the prospect of Cleveland making the Finals was far fetched. Deshaun Watson hasn’t played in quite some time, and even if you ignore your moral compass (which you shouldn’t) in this case, it’s only fair to expect some rust.

Cleveland’s schedule has some winnable games in the long run, and had they done better with Jacob Brissett early on, maybe a run with Watson would be more achievable. Victories over Texas, Saints and Steelers should be expected (although the end of the year in Pittsburgh will be difficult). Showdowns against the Ravens, Bengals, and Chiefs will be more difficult to achieve, even with a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback in tow.

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