CLEVELAND — Upon further review…..

Calling them the ‘real deal’ still doesn’t feel quite right.

But calling them legitimate playoff contenders is certainly within the realm.

And why not? There’s a short list of AFC teams on the postseason fast track and considerably more who will qualify almost by default.

Romeo Crennel’s Browns are included on the latter list…and for good reason. The Browns, at 7-4 following Sunday’s workmanlike 27-17 victory against Houston, have five remaining regular season games versus opponents whose composite record is 19-36.

This includes home games with Buffalo and San Francisco and road outings at Arizona, the Jets and Bengals. Should they prevail in three of those five, the Browns would boast a 10-6 mark and likely discover themselves in the wild card mix.

Needless to say, numerous players quizzed on the topic opted to change the subject inside an upbeat lockerroom following Sunday’s outcome. “I know (you guys) want to talk about it — and I can understand that,” wideout Braylon Edwards acknowledged. “We’ve got way too much work ahead, not to mention a lot of improvement that has to be made.”

Still, long-time die-hards are feeling waves of good vibes for a team which has won five of its last six starts, the lone setback during that span, a 31-28 loss at Pittsburgh.

“I’m happy our fans and the media are excited,” offered veteran Joe Jurevicius. “But we, as players, can’t afford getting caught up in any of that. We’re on a week by week approach which is how it’s got to be and how it’s got to stay.”

Only once since 1999 have the Browns been playoff participants. There are daily indications that pattern is destined to be altered, perhaps as early as this season.

“I told you guys we had a chance to turn some heads,” remarked Kellen Winslow who landed 10 receptions for 107 yards and a TD Sunday. “Don’t get me wrong,” Winslow continued. “We’re 7-4…we’re not the Patriots. “We don’t have any Super Bowl rings or hardly any resume, for that matter. Truthfully, we could be 4-7 if we don’t make a few breaks.”

That’s to Cleveland’s credit considering the inordinate number of average teams there are in the NFL.

No storyline has been more inspiring than watching the rapid development of quarterback Derek Anderson. After Charlie Frye’s week one meltdown and ensuing departure, thousands of fans screamed for Crennel to insert highly-touted rookie Brady Quinn.

Instead, Crennel made the right decision. Anderson has come on and fully seized the opportunity, relegating Quinn to various billboard appearances throughout northeast Ohio.

Anderson was an efficient 24-of-35 Sunday, totaling 253 yards and two TDs with but one INT. “I’m really impressed how quickly D.A.’s settled in,” Edwards remarked. “He’s playing with much greater confidence and moving the offense with consistency.”

The Browns’ defense, meanwhile achieved a season’s milestone Sunday, limiting the Texans to 314 yards and reducing yardage allowed per game under 400 for the first time all season.

As Winslow correctly indicated, however, the Browns are not close to realizing Pats/Colts status. “The bottom line is we’re moving in the right direction,” Edwards indicated. “That’s the first time I’ve been able to make that statement since I came here. Progress is progress.”

REALITY CHECKING

BROWNS’ kicker Phil Dawson moved into third place on the team’s all-time scoring list, passing Hall of Famer Jim Brown. With his 27-yard field goal in the third quarter, Dawson elevated his career total to 760. Brown recorded 756 points during his career as one of the NFL’s greatest running backs…

THE Browns have won five straight at home for the first time since 1994. Cleveland’s lone home loss was a week one 34-7 reversal against Pittsburgh….

RUNNING back Jamal Lewis achieved his second 100-yard performance as a Brown and 32nd of his NFL career. “In November and December, the weather gets colder and defenses don’t like to tackle as much. I consider (it) my time of year,” Lewis told reporters…

LEWIS’ one-yard touchdown run increased his season total to eight, most by a Browns’ RB since Kevin Mack logged eight in 1991…

KICK-RETURNER Joshua Cribbs had a relatively quiet afternoon with 54 kickoff return yards. “It’s nice to win one without having to rely on special teams like we have been doing,” Winslow remarked…

THE BROWNS enjoyed a decisive advantage in time of possession, 35:23 to 24:37. The Browns totaled 397 yards, including 148 on the ground…