NFL playoff predictions can be wild but who will Browns fans root for this year?
The Cleveland Browns have a lot to decide before having any chance of talking about the NFL playoffs next season. A new offensive coordinator, offensive system, likely a new quarterback and how they will use the second overall pick in the NFL draft lead the way but are not the only discussion points.
For now, Browns fans are in sit-back and observe mode as the NFL playoffs get rolling this weekend with 14 teams vying for the Lombardi Trophy. Thankfully, for many Cleveland fans, The Ohio State Buckeyes are also in the College Football Playoffs which gives us something to root for that we are passionate about.
Sports are more fun when we have something to root for. Fantasy football and betting can provide some of that but we want to walk through the options for Browns fans to decide which team they are rooting for, as a group of DBN readers, this post-season.
Here are the contenders and, perhaps, a reason they should be chosen:
AFC Playoff Teams
- Kansas City Chiefs – Would be the front-runner choice but Travis Kelce is a strong Cleveland connection
- Buffalo Bills – A cold-weather, blue-collar city that hasn’t won a Super Bowl
- Baltimore Ravens – I got nothing here… If you do, you are better than me (which is likely anyway)
- Houston Texans – CJ Stroud seems like a good guy and a former Buckeye, they beat the Browns in the playoff last year so rooting for them could make some sense
- Los Angeles Chargers – Proof that a turnaround can happen quickly despite an older, expensive roster. Rooting for the Chargers is hoping Cleveland can do the same
- Pittsburgh Steelers – Again, pretty much got nothing except the Steelers org and fans were very supportive of the city and Browns fans when Art Modell stole the team back in 1995
- Denver Broncos – Another tough one given the history but, like LA, a “see that could be us” choice
NFC Playoff Teams
- Detriot Lions – Downtrodden, failure of a Midwest franchise becoming beloved and a champion in the NFL? Sounds very Cleveland-like
- Philadelphia Eagles – A great fanbase might be the best connection for Browns fans here
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers – That pirate ship is amazing… Oh, and some Clevelanders will hold tight to Baker Mayfield for sure
- Los Angeles Rams – Unlike some teams on this list, there is no reason to hate or love this team that I could think of off the top of my head
- Minnesota Vikings – Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Kevin O’Connell and Josh McCown spent time with the Browns, they are a fun team and perhaps Cleveland’s future OC and quarterback are wearing purple and gold right now
- Washington Commanders – Another quick turnaround team led by a rookie QB, the Commanders are also proof that a bad owner being replaced can help greatly (for some Browns fans hoping for that to happen with their team)
- Green Bay Packers – Community-owned, supported Cleveland when Modell stole their team and the whole bike riding with kids during training camp thing are reasons to chant “Go Pack, Go”
So what about you? Here is a pole for each conference (if you only want to vote for one do that) then share why in the comment section below. Help DBN choose who Browns fans are rooting for this playoff season