The NFL Divisional Round kicks off this weekend, and while the Browns are out of the playoff picture, there’s still plenty for Cleveland fans to keep an eye on - especially with the team in the market for a new head coach. The action stretches across Saturday and Sunday, featuring four heavyweight matchups and a few coaching names that could be relevant to the Browns' future.
Let’s break down what to watch, how to watch it, and which sidelines might hold Cleveland’s next head coach.
Saturday, January 17
4:30 PM ET - Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (CBS, WOIO 19.1)
This one’s a marquee AFC showdown, with the top-seeded Broncos finally entering the playoff fray after their first-round bye. Denver’s defense has been a force all season, and now they’ll try to contain a Bills offense that’s been gaining momentum at just the right time.
For Browns fans, this matchup is more than just playoff entertainment - it’s a chance to observe how a well-constructed coaching staff operates under pressure. Denver’s staff, in particular, has drawn league-wide praise for their defensive schemes and game-day adjustments. While there's no direct link to the Browns’ search here, it's the kind of high-stakes environment that reveals a lot about how coaches handle the moment.
Locally, you can catch this game on CBS (WOIO Channel 19.1), with the familiar voices of Jim Nantz and Tony Romo on the call.
8:00 PM ET - San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (FOX, WJW 8.1)
The nightcap features two NFC West rivals with plenty of playoff history. The Seahawks, another No. 1 seed coming off a bye, will look to hold off a physical 49ers team that thrives in these gritty matchups.
This game carries a little more intrigue for Cleveland. The Browns are reportedly eyeing one of Seattle’s assistant coaches as a candidate for their head coaching vacancy.
That makes this a must-watch for fans who want a glimpse at how potential future leadership handles postseason pressure. Watch how the Seahawks manage clock, scheme adjustments, and sideline energy - all the things that matter when you're evaluating coaching DNA.
Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady are in the booth for this FOX broadcast, airing locally on WJW Channel 8.1.
Sunday, January 18
3:00 PM ET - Houston Texans at New England Patriots (ABC, WEWS 5.1)
Sunday’s action opens with a battle between two teams that have exceeded expectations this season. The Texans’ young core continues to impress, while the Patriots’ defense has been the backbone of their playoff push.
Locally, this game airs on ABC (WEWS Channel 5.1), with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman providing the commentary. While the Browns aren’t directly connected to either coaching staff, this is a great opportunity to see how two different team-building philosophies play out on the postseason stage.
6:30 PM ET - Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (NBC, WKYC 3.1)
The weekend wraps up with Rams vs.
Bears, a clash of two teams built on physicality and defensive grit. But for Browns fans, the real storyline is on the Rams’ sideline.
Cleveland is reportedly interested in two of Los Angeles’ assistant coaches as potential head coaching candidates. That makes this game arguably the most important of the weekend from a Browns perspective. Watch closely for how the Rams manage in-game decisions, halftime adjustments, and player development - all critical traits for a coach stepping into a rebuild or retool.
Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will be on the call for NBC, airing locally on WKYC Channel 3.1.
What It Means for the Browns
With Cleveland’s draft position already locked in, these games won’t shift anything come April. But they could shape the future of the franchise in a different way. The Browns’ front office is deep into its coaching search, and this weekend offers a live-action look at how some of their top targets operate when the stakes are highest.
So while the Browns aren’t suiting up this weekend, their future might still be on the field - just on the sidelines, wearing a headset.
Stay tuned.