Browns eliminated from playoff contention with loss to Redskins

The Cleveland Browns had an outside shot to make the playoffs in the AFC but would need plenty of help to do so. At halftime against the Washington Redskins today, they were at least doing their part, leading 14-10 as the teams went to recess.

But the Redskins would put away 21 unanswered points in the second half and pull away to a 38-21 victory. The loss officially eliminated the Browns from playoff contention as they now sit three games behind the Cincinnati Bengals with just two games to play. The Browns haven't made the playoffs since the 2002 season.

Cleveland had been playing better football of late. After starting the season by dropping five straight games, they won five of their last eight games before falling to the Redskins on Sunday. Even in the losses they played well, losing by four to the Indianapolis Colts and by a field goal in overtime to the Dallas Cowboys.

The Browns close the season with two road games, first paying a visit to the Denver Broncos and then heading east to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.