Cleveland Versus Los Angeles is 'Must-Win' for Both Teams

The Browns continue their west coast swing with a trip to the Golden Coast. Their game next weekend against the surging Rams has become a must-win for both teams.

Cleveland's game last week against the Broncos had pretty significant playoff implications in the AFC. This week against the Los Angeles Rams carries equal weight in both the AFC and NFC playoff pictures.

Sitting at seven-and-four, Cleveland feels like the sky is falling but they are still very much in the thick of the playoff race. Although the expectations of winning the North are all but gone, they still have a more than 65 percent chance to get a wild card spot.

Nov 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) rushes past Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles (72) in the first half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

For Los Angeles, they are just one game back of the sixth and seventh Wild Card spots in the NFC. A lot of people wrote off this Rams team, me included, but they have been able to stack a couple of victories here and get back into the thick of things. 

Sunday feels like a must-win for both sides. 

Cleveland can not afford to fall to seven-and-five. There are four teams with either five or six losses. The log jam at the bottom end of the AFC Playoff picture is not going to clear up any time soon. 

The Rams need to stack a third straight win to their record. If they want their playoff hopes to stay alive they need to get to six-and-six. They are chasing the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers for one of the final spots in the NFC.

A month ago, everyone would have penciled this game in as a sure victory for Cleveland. The Rams were reeling and the Browns were rolling. Instead, the Browns are going to limp into this game and the Rams are coming off of one of their best games in a while.

The sportsbooks have reflected this as the Browns open up as +4.5 underdogs. Cleveland will have their hands full on Sunday, we'll see if they are up to the challenge.