This week’s matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans has high stakes.
While neither the Titans, are 1-11, nor the Browns, who are 3-8, have a chance to make the playoffs, Sunday’s matchup will play a major role in their respective NFL draft odds.
According to ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi, the Browns’ chances of getting the No. 1 pick will jump from 0.75 percent to 14 percent with a loss, while a win would drop their chances to less than 1 percent. For the Titans, a loss increases their top pick chances from 47.6 percent to 66 percent, and a loss decreases their chances to 29 percent.
The Titans landed the No. 1 overall pick last year, and they used it to select quarterback Cam Ward, and he’s had an up-and-down rookie year with 2,351 yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions. Picking up another first overall pick would be huge for Tennessee as it continues its rebuild.
The Browns originally had the No. 2 pick last year, but traded it to the Jacksonville Jaguars and took Mason Graham with the fifth pick. While Cleveland likely won’t go out of its way to drop Sunday’s game, the front office probably wouldn’t mind a loss too much.