The Cleveland Browns sit at a mere 1-1-1 through the first three weeks of the season, but it's plenty to be excited about when you consider they went 21 months without winning a football game.

With a Thursday night victory over the New York Jets in Week 3, the Browns won their first game since Dec. 24 of the 2016 season. And on top of that, the Browns sit ahead of both the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC playoff race through three weeks:

The Steelers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-27 on Monday Night, moving their record to 1-1-1. As for the Patriots, they were upset by the Detroit Lions 26-10, moving to 1-2 for the first time since the 2012 season.

Not only did the Browns simply end their losing streak, but the team actually looks like a potential playoff contender through three weeks. Baker Mayfield was productive in his NFL debut, the Browns are allowing just 19.7 points per game, they've registered nine sacks and the team has the best turnover differential at plus-nine.

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Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

As for the Patriots, they simply haven't gotten enough out of the wide receivers, and tight end Rob Gronkowski has been shut down through the last two games by opposing defenses. Tom Brady hasn't had much help from his wideouts, offensive line or running backs. The defense has also been miserable thus far against the likes of Blake Bortles and Matthew Stafford.

Pittsburgh shrugged off two sloppy games by taking it to a Tampa team that surprised with a 2-0 start. Ben Roethlisberger has been playing at an MVP level, while James Conner has done an excellent job filling in for Le'Veon Bell, who continues to sit out due to a contract dispute.

The Browns may sit at 1-1-1, but it's far too early to label them as a playoff team. But if Mayfield plays above-average football and the defense can sustain its dominant form, this team could post its first winning season in 11 years.

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