BEREA, Ohio — The Browns are still in the playoff race and if they are going to cross the finish line to advance to the postseason, Brian Hoyer will be leading the way.

After three days of thought and discussions with his top assistants, Browns head coach Mike Pettine on Wednesday announced Hoyer will start against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in FirstEnergy Stadium. Pettine considered turning the ball over to rookie Johnny Manziel, but Manziel’s only significant playing time in the first 12 games came on the final two series in a 26-10 loss to Buffalo last week.

Manziel scored the only touchdown on a 10-yard run.

It was not an easy decision for Pettine.

“After thorough evaluation and talking to the staff, we feel Brian gives us the best opportunity to win on Sunday,” Pettine said. “This is a football decision and those are always going to be based on what we think is best for our team. Brian has led our team to a 7-5 record. I’m confident that we can get the entire offense playing at the level needed to accomplish the goals we set at the beginning of the season. Those goals are still very much attainable.”

Pettine chose Hoyer over Manziel at the start of the season and stuck with the 29-year-old Cleveland native, but three sub-par games by Hoyer forced Pettine to turn to Manziel last week and nearly led him to a more permanent change.

The Browns are in a logjam with the Ravens, Steelers, Bills, Dolphins and Chiefs at 7-5 in the AFC. They are 4-5 in the AFC, which outs them behind the Steelers (6-3), the Dolphins (6-3) and Chiefs (5-4) for conference record. With San Diego at 8-4 and currently holding down one wildcard spot, a clearer route for the Browns would be to win the AFC North. They are 1 ½ games behind Cincinnati. They play the Bengals at home on Dec. 14.

“I don’t think it’s a big surprise,” left tackle Joe Thomas said. “I think Brian has done a great job for us all year. I think he gives us the best chance to win on Sunday. We’re in the thick of the chase and we control our own destiny.

“Certainly when you start throwing guys in there to see what they could do (Manziel) the message is we’re already playing for next year.”

This could be Hoyer’s last chance.

If he stumbles again, the players will get behind Manziel, just as they are behind Hoyer. Hoyer threw one touchdown pass and six interceptions over the last three games.

The Browns have won more games with Hoyer at quarterback than in any of the six previous seasons, but his numbers have been in steady decline. He is last in third down passing and ranks 27th among starting quarterbacks. He has thrown one touchdown pass in the last 15 quarters.

“We know Johnny’s a competitor, and Johnny is a winner,” wide receiver Travis Benjamin said. “Johnny is a baller, no matter what. Ready or not, you put him in the game and if he doesn’t make the play with his arm, he’ll make the play with his legs. Running backs, receivers, tight ends and linemen also have to come together and help him and make sure we have limited mistakes so we can push Johnny to get the edge on people.”

Hoyer said he expects the Browns to bounce back against the Colts.

“We just need to do what we get back to what we do best,” Hoyer said. “You see it in games. When we’re on, we’re on. You have to be able to overcome adversity. If it’s not working in the very beginning, you can’t just ditch the plan. You can’t just move on to something else. You have to stick with it and find a way to make it work.”