The Browns began the 2020 season with a 6–38 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens on September 13, their 16th consecutive season without a week 1 victory. But the team responded by winning its next four games, the franchise's first four-game winning streak since 2009. During the streak, the Browns also scored 30 or more points in four consecutive games for the first time since 1968. The team's 4–1 record was its best 5-game start to a season since 1994. On November 15, the Browns defeated the Houston Texans 10–7 at home and improved to a 6–3 record. With the victory, Baker Mayfield surpassed Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as the winningest quarterback at FirstEnergy Stadium. On December 6, the Browns scored 38 first-half points on their way to a 41–35 road victory against the Tennessee Titans, their second four-game winning streak of the season. The Browns improved to 9–3 with the victory, clinching their first winning season since 2007. On December 27, the Browns lost to the New York Jets by a final score of 16–23, dropping their record to 10–5. The Browns were missing two starting linebackers, four wide receivers, and starting left tackle Jedrick Wills due to NFL COVID-19 protocols. With the loss, the Browns entered the final week of the season needing a home victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers to make the playoffs. On January 3, 2021, the Browns defeated the Steelers 24–22 to finish with a 11–5 record, clinching a playoff berth for the first time since 2002 and ending the NFL's longest active playoff drought at 17 seasons. Several members of the team received individual accolades at the conclusion of the regular season: RB Nick Chubb, LG Joel Bitonio, and DE Myles Garrett each received Pro Bowl recognition, while Garrett and right tackle Jack Conklin were named to the 2020 All-Pro first team. Kevin Stefanski was named the NFL Coach of the Year, the first Browns head coach to win the award since Forrest Gregg in 1976.