We already know the Bears’ most-likely paths to making the playoffs.
But what if I told you one more exists:
Browns’ training facility is closed again this morning as COVID issues and troubles mount in Cleveland, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 31, 2020
ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweets the Browns’ training facility is closed this morning due to COVID-19 protocols. Again. Cleveland’s facility closed yesterday morning, too. That’s two consecutive days in which the Browns have had to shut it down early in their work day. Certainly, that is sub-optimal for any team — let alone one reaching for the AFC’s last playoff spot.
Which brings us to this: What if this game gets banged? Further, what if it gets canceled and the NFL has to activate its contingency plan to expand its already expanded postseason field.
Some key verbiage: “If the 256-game regular season is played, or if games that are unable to be played do not otherwise affect eligibility or seeding for the postseason,” the normal playoff format stays in effect.”
And if it doesn’t? Chaos. And by that, I mean a 14-team field gets an expansion to 16 teams. No first-round byes for anyone. Pure chaos in Week 17. Not quite how I saw it playing out, but also not surprised that it could come down to this.
Whooooo boy! Now, that would be a way to get into the playoffs.
Are you paying attention, Bears? Because you should be.