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The most important player to every AFC teams’ playoff hopes

By Joel Deering

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 16: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates his second half touchdown against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 16, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 16: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates his second half touchdown against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 16, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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AFC teams' playoff hopes - Baker Mayfield
DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 15: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #4 of the Cleveland Browns rolls out of the pocket while playing the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Browns (6-7-1)

Most important player: QB Baker Mayfield

It’s pretty likely the Cleveland Browns won’t be making the playoffs this season, but they’ve yet to be eliminated, which is why they’re on this list. The most important player to this AFC team’s playoff hopes is their rookie QB, Baker Mayfield.

The Browns have been plagued with bad QB play for who knows how many years now. Mayfield and his 92.6 passer rating is far better than anything the Browns have seen for some time.

It wasn’t until Mayfield entered a game in the NFL that the Browns won their first game of of the season. Now he’s got the Browns with six wins, four of which came in the last five games. I don’t think the Browns are ready to make a playoff run just yet, but it’s impressive that they’re even still in the hunt at this point of the season.

Next. Most important player for all NFC teams. dark

If the Browns do somehow make the playoffs this season, Mayfield will be the reason why.

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