This Game Could Keep the Browns From Making the Playoffs

Could this finally be the season the Cleveland Browns make some noise?

The Brownies haven't made the playoffs since 2002, but this season, the NFL's laughing stock looks better than ever. Baker Mayfield has one more year of experience under his belt, coach Freddie Kitchens has been replaced with Kevin Stefanski, and Myles Garrett is back from suspension.

Despite the building hype, there's one date on the Browns' schedule that could bring an end to their playoff hopes.

A date Browns fans certainly have circled on their schedule is a Week 14 matchup against their division rivals the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football.

The Browns and Ravens split their series last season, with each team taking a win on the road. The Ravens, last season's AFC North Champions, are the favorite to win the division again this year.

The Browns' 2019 loss to the Ravens came in Week 16, when Myles Garrett was suspended. Assuming he will be back, the Browns will have a better chance than last year, with a shot against their rivals at home potentially being the difference between a Wild Card and a long offseason. Nonetheless, the Ravens will be tough to beat.

The Ravens picked up defensive end Calais Campbell in the offseason, making their defense even more of a gauntlet to have to get through. Avoiding Campbell's elite pass rushing and the Ravens' strong secondary will be trouble for Baker Mayfield, the Browns' turnover-prone QB

If Cleveland's going to get over the hump and live up to their promise this year, things may be determined by this primetime Week 14 slate.