Why Browns' path to No. 1 seed is still possible

With the Ravens' (12-3) win over the 49ers (11-4) in Week 16, the Browns' chances of being the AFC's No. 1 seed by regular season's end certainly took a hit. But here is why there is still a very realistic chance Cleveland steals it away from Baltimore over the next two weeks.

First and foremost, the Browns must win out. They host the Jets (6-9) in Week 17 and then go on the road to face the Bengals (8-7), who they defeated 24-3 in Week 1, in the regular season finale. 

Cleveland will likely be the favorite in both games and if it does win out, it will be 12-5, 4-2 in its division and 9-3 in the AFC.

The next scenario that must play out is Baltimore losing out. This is probably the most unlikely thing to happen, especially after its dominant win over San Francisco. But the Ravens' remaining schedule is not easy.

They host the Dolphins (11-4), who boast the league's best offense in total yards per game (411.5) and points per game (30.9), and then the Steelers (8-7), who they lost to 17-10 in Week 5. The Steelers could be fighting for a playoff berth in Week 18.

Obviously, a lot of time has passed since the Ravens last played the Steelers, but divisional games always seem to be close. If Baltimore does lose out, it will be 12-5, 3-3 in its division and 7-5 in the AFC, handing the AFC North the Cleveland.

Lastly, Miami must lose in Week 18 to the Bills (9-6), who it lost to 48-20 earlier this season, after defeating the Ravens next week. If the Dolphins do exactly that they will be 12-5, 4-2 in its division and 8-4 in the AFC, making them the AFC's No. 2 seed and the Browns the No. 1 seed.

The path to the AFC's No. 1 seed is clearly not an easy one for the Browns as the Ravens and Dolphins have strong cases to make of their own. But fans shouldn't give up on their hopes of being atop the conference just yet with an important two weeks ahead.