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Meeting expectations: Many would likely argue that Kevin Stefanski is exceeding expectations, but I'm not quite there yet. Stefanski is like the normal, boring boyfriend who only draws rave reviews because the girl's ex (that would be Freddie Kitchens in this analogy, sorry Freddie) was a complete disaster who cheated on her, smoked a pack a day and still used his parents' Netflix account (ok fine, there's nothing wrong with that last one). Stefanski has brought professionalism and competence to the Browns' organization. And that's great. It was much needed. Cleveland appears to be on the right track, and the early signs are encouraging. But even though they're 8-3, they have a minus-21 point differential. They've been mediocre offensively, and Stefanski has not blown me away with his scheming or play-calling. I am in the "so far so good, but let's see more" camp, not the "he deserves Coach of the Year consideration" camp with Stefanski. Also, Browns fans, don't yell at me for them being 18th here. I had them higher, but EPR is unimpressed. Cleveland is 5-0 in one-score games and has faced the league's fourth-easiest schedule.

They just keep running their way to victories, which is a change from most teams. Now they face a big game against the Titans on the road.

RB Nick Chubb hasn't averaged fewer than 5.6 yards per carry in any of his seven appearances in 2020. Amazing stat -- nobody has had that kind of streak since 1970 merger.

Most important game remaining: Week 14 vs. Baltimore

As much fun as it might be to potentially knock off Pittsburgh in the regular-season finale, beating Baltimore on Monday Night Football is easily the Browns' most important remaining game. First, it would give Cleveland the signature victory this otherwise breakout season is missing. Second, the Ravens are a rival, dating to the Art Modell relocation 25 years ago. But most importantly, it would all but clinch a playoff berth, which would snap the league's longest postseason drought of 18 years. -- Jake Trotter

The Browns are poised to snap their endless postseason dry spell because they continue to beat the teams they're supposed to beat. The latest example came Sunday, when Cleveland dispatched a feisty Jaguars team to clinch the franchise's first non-losing season since 2007. If Derrick Henry is the NFL's pre-eminent closer at running back, Nick Chubb is right behind the Titans star. With the Browns up 27-25 and attempting to run out the clock, Chubb picked up a first down on the ground, then another that was negated by penalty, followed by a final first down on a screen pass with 1:37 to play. Game over. The Browns don't profile as a league superpower, but they have an enviable collection of star players who can take out any team on the right day.