Browns QB Joe Flacco reveals key to success in playoffs

The Browns (11-6) are not surprised to find themselves in the playoffs. It is who is leading them — QB Joe Flacco — that is unexpected. However, it's the 38-year-old quarterback's experience that makes Cleveland truly dangerous.

Flacco believes it's the team's mindset that could make the difference in making a run to the Super Bowl and he has already begun to instill that in his teammates.

"You're preparing for one game and that's it. You're promised one game here," Flacco told reporters. "I think you can get comfort in that—one game. Prepare as hard as you can for one week and then when that's all done, we'll pick up and see where we're at."

Of course, there will be more factors that play a role in if the Browns can go on a run, including their top-ranked defense in total yards allowed per game (270.2). But Flacco has been the gift that keeps on giving and the team is hoping that continues Saturday in its wild-card matchup against the Texans (10-7).

In his five games played, Flacco has led Cleveland to a 4-1 record, throwing for 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. It's his postseason experience, however, that is the true X-factor.

Flacco led the Ravens to a victory in Super Bowl XLVII and was named MVP of the game. He isn't the same player he was in 2013 when he delivered a championship to Baltimore but he's surely smarter.

Flacco won't need to play hero ball to keep up with Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate QB C.J. Stroud, who did not play when the two teams met in Week 16. His defense will likely keep the game close. 

But Flacco will likely have to make at least a couple of plays to win and prove why having a veteran on a Super Bowl-contending team is a necessity.