CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Browns broke their playoff drought in 2020 and won a playoff game. They advanced into the divisional round and let the Chiefs go before Patrick Mahomes left the game.
It’s still early in the off-season and the squads will change – some dramatically – over the next three months, but one thing is clear: the Browns belong in the same set as the best teams in the AFC.
There are several classes of teams. There are the teams that are bad, whether it’s bad with a bright future or just bad. There are teams in the middle that could go either way. There are fringe playoff teams that are either ready to take the plunge or are up and coming. There are solid playoff teams that may have hit a cap.
Then there is the top. These are the teams that are real competitors in their division. In the worst case, it is a playoff. This is where the Browns belong. You are one of those teams in the AFC who, with a straight face, wouldn’t surprise you if they won the conference.
Mary Kay Cabot, Doug Lesmerises, Scott Patsko, Ellis Williams and I rated the AFC on our Friday roundtable. Once we ranked the other 15 teams, we slotted the Browns. Listen to the player below or If you don’t see the player, click here to listen.
You can listen to and subscribe to previous podcasts Apple Podcasts or further Spotify.
Would you like to join Football Insider? Get more information and log in here.
Browns Playoffs Shirts, Hats For Sale: Cleveland Browns fans can order shirts and hats here We celebrate the team that qualifies for the 2020 NFL playoffs.
More Browns coverage
Why the Browns Need an All Around LB and Two More Super Bowl Lessons: Film Review
What about the Browns and JJ Watt? Act Kareem Hunt? Hey Terry!
Gregory Rousseau, Kwity Paye, could start a spate of first-round edge rushers
Diving into an OBJ TD and what it means for the future of the offense: I have to look at the tape
Schottenheimer coach tree, legacy: Darcy cartoon
Browns have to make decisions on their own
NFL Free Agents 2021: Bringing Back Cody Parkey or Treading the Tires on Another Option?
Surtain II, Horn Carry Height, NFL Bloodlines in Cornerback Draft Class
Marty Schottenheimer, former Browns head coach, dies at the age of 77
Think Schottenheimer, Clay Matthews, and fans – Pluto
Schottenheimer remembered by Brown’s fans
