Browns' Fans Week 16 Rooting Guide

The Browns have a chance to clinch a birth in the playoffs this weekend. There are eight different scenarios in which Cleveland gets into the playoffs, all of which are relatively unlikely.

The first step in all of it is Cleveland beating Houston on Sunday.

After the Browns take care of business, here is what Cleveland fans should be pulling for in the rest of the NFL slate.

Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati (Saturday @ 4:30 pm)

No, both teams cannot lose this one, unfortunately. The truth is that the Bengals have played their way into the playoffs and actually look like a team that no one is going to face. With them being at eight-and-six, they need to win two out of their last three to have a chance. While I don't want the Bengals in the playoffs, their getting in most likely keeps the Bills out. Because of that, Browns fans are Bengals fans on Saturday.

Los Angeles vs Buffalo (Saturday @ 8:00 pm)

While incredibly unlikely, if the Chargers could pull off some magic and upset the Bills, that'd be what everyone in the AFC wants. I don't see it happening but we can sure root for it.

Atlanta vs Indianapolis (Sunday @ 1:00 pm)

Browns fans are rooting for the Colts in this one. The biggest issue that could arise in this playoff picture is the Browns winning the AFC North (Yes, winning the North) and then having to face the seven-seed Buffalo Bills. Anything and everything to keep Buffalo out of the playoffs needs to be the goal.

Tampa Bay vs Jacksonville (Sunday @ 4:05 pm)

Cleveland fans will want the Jaguars to take down Baker Mayfield's surging Buccaneers. Out of all the potential division winners, Cleveland would want to have a rematch with Jacksonville. The scenario that has the greatest potential is Cleveland getting the five seed. In that case, facing the AFC South winner is what Browns fans want. A Jacksonville win goes a long way to set that up.

Miami vs Dallas (Sunday @ 4:25 pm)

The result of this one will not affect the Browns much. Cheer for the Dolphins to get through this game healthy so they can be full strength against the Ravens next week.

Kansas City vs. Las Vegas (Monday @ 1:00 pm)

It's Go Raiders in this one for every AFC fanbase. Keeping Kansas City out of the one-seed unlocks the path for everyone else. Patrick Mahomes has never played in a road playoff game. This Chiefs team is as vulnerable as they have ever been. Keeping them out of the No. 1 spot changes the complexion of the AFC Playoff.

San Francisco vs Baltimore (Monday @ 8:15 pm)

Let's hope our old friend Kyle Shanahan can do Browns fans a solid and take down the Ravens. If the 49ers can get a win, Cleveland's chance at winning the North stays alive.

There are a lot of games that are going to affect the playoff picture pretty significantly. For the Browns, these results set us up the best heading into a Week 17 Thursday Night Football showdown with New York.