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Whatever the FPI rankings, Cleveland's defense is beginning to hit its stride just in time to make a playoff push. The Browns intercepted Lamar Jackson four times two weeks ago then scored a defensive touchdown against the Ravens on Sunday on Myles Garrett's strip and score. The problem is, the Browns' offense continues to scuffle. If Kevin Stefanski can get the offense going again, especially the ground game, the Browns could become a tough out in the playoffs. -- Jake Trotter

It got downright terrifying at the end, but the Browns' defense got the final stop it needed against the Ravens to avoid disaster and put Cleveland in good position to actually win the AFC North. That seems like a crazy thought, given all of Cleveland's struggles in this frustrating season, but things are setting up well in a division that doesn't have any true powerhouse. Still, problems persist: The Browns nearly blew a 21-point lead in large part because the offense remains stuck in mud with Baker Mayfield under center. Mayfield told reporters after the game his banged-up body was feeling better after the Week 13 bye, but Cleveland was still shut out in the second half and managed less than 300 yards of offense. If Baker doesn't play better, the Browns are cooked.

By holding on to beat the Baltimore Ravens, they have a real chance now to win the division. The schedule down the stretch is brutal.

Their offense is obviously rooted in its ground game, but crazy to think in this day and age that Cleveland has netted more than 225 pass yards just twice this season.

Worst-case scenario: The passing game's continued struggles with an injured Baker Mayfield keep the Browns out of the playoffs and push them into an offseason of questions about their future at quarterback. Browns GM Andrew Berry recently avoided a "yes" or "no" response when asked whether the 2018 No. 1 pick is "unequivocally" the team's long-term answer at QB -- and with good reason. Mayfield ranks 24th in EPA per dropback since Week 6, a stretch during which the Browns offense has scored more than 17 points just once. Cleveland might be able to survive well enough to make the playoffs, but it's hard to advance without a quarterback it can trust.