When the Cleveland Browns beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 24-22, the win meant much more than an 11-5 season. It clinched the team their first playoff spot since 2002.
Cleveland is just three seasons removed from being just the third NFL team to go winless through a full season. Between 2016 and 17, the Browns won only one game. Back then, the Browns were a step ahead of being a dumpster fire. In the two seasons, the Browns started five different quarterbacks, including DeShon Kizer and Robert Griffin III. Griffin got the Browns their only win in 2016, a 20-17 win over San Diego in week 16.
Since rejoining the league, in 1999, the Browns have only made the playoff twice, with the last time being the 2002 team. That season they took the wild card, only to lose to their most hated rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers 36-33. Not only did the Browns beat the Steelers to make the playoffs this season, but now they get to play the Steelers Sunday night.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also in the playoffs this season. This is their first appearance since 2007. They went 9-7 and took the wild card to lose to the Giants 24-14.
The longest playoffs drought now is owned by the New York Jets, who have not been in the playoffs since 2010.
