Flacco, Browns lock up postseason berth
CLEVELAND — Joe Flacco has turned a seemingly cursed season into a charmed one.
Cleveland’s quarterback for just over a month, Flacco passed for 309 yards and three touchdowns as the Browns clinched an unlikely playoff berth — just their second since 2002 — despite numerous injuries this season with a 37-20 win over the New York Jets on Thursday night.
The Browns (11-5) are assured of a wild-card spot and still have a chance to win the AFC North and maybe the conference’s No. 1 overall seed, something that seemed unfathomable just weeks ago as major injuries piled up.
But things have changed since Flacco arrived.
The 38-year-old quarterback improved to 4-1 as a starter with the Browns, who plucked the Super Bowl XLVII MVP off his couch in New Jersey last month to hopefully rescue their season. He’s done that and more.
In the final minutes, Browns fans chanted “Flac-co! Flac-co!” to a quarterback they once reviled with Baltimore and now revere.
“You don’t know how many of these moments you’re going to get,” Flacco said. “I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life.”
Flacco threw two TD passes to Jerome Ford in the first half as the Browns built a 20-point lead over the Jets (6-10), who chose not to resign the 15-year veteran after he spent three seasons with them.
Flacco torched New York for 296 yards in the first half and became the first QB in 34 games to go over 300 yards against the Jets. He’s also the first Cleveland quarterback to pass for more than 300 in four straight.
On Friday, the Browns announced that wide receiver Elijah Moore was hospitalized overnight after suffering a concussion during the game.
Jags’ Lawrence ruled out due to shoulder
Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence will miss the first game of his professional career because of a sprained throwing shoulder.
Lawrence was a spectator at practice all week and was officially ruled out Friday for the team’s home finale against Carolina (213). C.J. Beathard will make his first start in three years Sunday for the Jaguars (8-7).
Lawrence sprained his AC joint while diving on a fourthand-1 play in the third quarter of Sunday’s loss at Tampa Bay.
Wilson says Broncos asked to alter contract
Russell Wilson said he was caught off guard by the timing of his benching since the Denver Broncos still have a slim chance of making the playoffs.
Wilson spoke to the media Friday after practice for the first time since he was sent to the sideline by coach Sean Payton.
He said the Broncos approached him after a win over Kansas City on Oct. 29 with an ultimatum: adjust his contract or risk being benched. He didn’t (citing the risk of injuries). He wasn’t benched, though, and led the team to three straight wins after the off week before the Broncos dropped three of four to fall to 7-8.
Odds and ends
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs will be a gameday decision when Las Vegas visits the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Meanwhile, Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has cleared concussion protocol and should be able to play against the Raiders. … Safety Jamal Adams will miss his third straight game for the Seahawks despite returning to practice in a limited capacity this week. … The Cowboys ruled out No. 2 running back Rico Dowdle for Saturday’s game against the Lions with an ankle injury. Left tackle Tyron Smith is listed as questionable with a back injury.