The Cleveland Browns lost to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Christmas Day, 24-22. It was a tough one to watch for Browns fans, as the franchises “savior,” Baker Mayfield, threw a career-high four interceptions in the loss. In defeat, the Browns fell to 7-8 on the season. They are now the #12 seed in the AFC Standings, but there is still reason for optimism.

The AFC Wild Card is still a hot mess. Only one game separates the #7 seed Baltimore Ravens and the #13 seed Denver Broncos.

Nevertheless, Cleveland needs to improve some things if they want any shot at making the postseason again this year. Here are the three key takeaways from the Christmas Day loss to the Packers.

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Browns Week 16 Takeaways

4. Cleveland easily could have won this game

Despite trailing for the majority of the game, the Browns found themselves trailing by two points with the ball. They had a great opportunity to steal this game. Green Bay, as they have done a lot this season, failed to put their opponent away. They keep getting bailed out by incompetence.

To be fair, on the game sealing interception, Donovan Peoples-Jones was clearly held and interfered with. No call was made.

It's one thing for a flag not to be thrown when contact exists beyond the five yards. But when Peoples-Jones comes out of his break, his jersey is clearly being pulled away from his body. It is not common when pass interference is that blatant, that you don't get a flag.

Had a flag been thrown on the play, the Browns are just outside of field goal range with enough time to move into range. Instead, there was no flag and the Browns lost another heartbreaker.

3. The Packers might be SB favorites, but they are far from a lock

Green Bay entered Saturday's game as the odds on favorite to win the Super Bowl. They won once again, Aaron Rodgers looked great, and the Packers improved to 12-3 on the season. Yet, we are seeing that their defense, as good as it is creating turnovers, can also be beaten up front.

For the 2nd straight week, we have seen teams dominate the line of scrimmage against the Packers defense. Last week, the Baltimore Ravens rushed for 143 yards. Saturday, the Browns ran for astounding 219 yards. Yet, the Packers won both games.

Over Green Bay's last five games, they have allowed 34, 28, 30, 30, and 22 points respectively. They have only been getting healthier too. So, if there is one concern for Green Bay come postseason, it's the defense's ability to get off the field.

2. Nick Chubb is a monster

Browns running back Nick Chubb did whatever he wanted Saturday. He picked up chunk yardage seemingly on every touch. Chubb ran for 126 yards on 17 carries, including a rushing touchdown. He also showed that Kareem Hunt is not the only tailback who can catch passes out of the backfield.

Chubb led the Browns in receiving as well. He pulled down three catches for 58 yards, including that 40-yard reception. He showed once again how difficult he is to bring to the ground. Chubb carried Packers defenders on his back all game. Nick Chubb is a beast.

1. Baker Mayfield is holding the Browns back from their potential

There are a lot of fans, mostly Browns fans, who refuse to criticize Baker Mayfield. He is defended to all ends of the Earth. But he will not find any defending here.

Never mind the off-the-field antics in college and early in his pro career. His play on the field is holding the Browns back from taking that next step. You can argue that Cleveland has one of the most talented rosters, top to bottom, in the league.

Their offensive line is easily one of the league's best. The Browns have Nick Chubb, who is a top-5 running back, in the backfield. But they also have Kareem Hunt and D'Ernest Johnson, both of whom could start for most teams in the NFL. Austin Hooper and David Njoku are not great, but they are serviceable tight ends. The only weakness on offense is at wide receiver. That's simply a lack of depth. Jarvis Landry has proven to be a very good receiver in this league.

Defensively, the Browns are stacked and it has shown all season. They rank inside the top 10 against the rush and against the pass. Their scoring defense is in the top half of the league. Myles Garrett is considered one of the league's best pass rushers.

So, the Browns have a defense that is good enough to put the offense in good positions. The offense has a line good enough to run down hill on just about anyone. That puts the quarterback in advantageous positions. Yet, Mayfield continues to miss open receivers and turn the ball over.

Mayfield has 11 interceptions this season, among the most in the NFL. Many point to him playing with a laundry list of injuries. But if your injuries are causing you to play poorly, you shouldn't be playing. You are hurting your team.

Baker Mayfield's rookie contract is up after next season. The team is yet to offer an extension. The writing is on the wall.