Here is a summary of how the Cleveland Browns are viewed across mainstream media outlets in NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 5.
CBS Sports - No. 32 (no change)
At 0-4, you have to wonder how long before owner Jimmy Haslam starts getting antsy. This team is worse than last year.
ESPN - No. 32 (no change)
Maybe when first overall pick Myles Garrett takes the field, things will improve for the defense. But for now, the Browns rank 31st in defensive FPI and last in opponent QBR. Hang in there, Cleveland.
NFL.com - No. 32 (no change)
Hue Jackson says DeShone Kizer will remain the starting quarterback. Kevin Hogan relieved Kizer on Sunday. Get excited. The 31-7 turdfest was easily the Browns' worst performance of the season. The turning point, if there is such a thing in a 31-7 game, had to be Gio Bernard taking a screen pass 61 yards to the house right before the half. The CBS broadcast discussed Cincinnati closing the offense down with such little time left ahead of halftime. The Bengals didn't. Nor did Cleveland defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who blitzed. Ovah.
Bleacher Report - No. 32 (no change)
Oh jeez, did the Cleveland Browns look bad Sunday. Of course, this is to be expected. This is a team with a rookie quarterback in DeShone Kizer who was inaccurate last year in college. He's going to be inaccurate this early in his NFL career too. Cleveland doesn't have the pieces in place to help Kizer be better. The Browns don't run the ball well, and they're severely lacking in receiver talent.
With Jamie Collins, Myles Garrett and Danny Shelton out, there are no difference-makers on defense. The front seven is decent when healthy, but the Browns have below-average cornerbacks and safeties. When they play a team that has weapons, like the Cincinnati Bengals, it can be a disaster. We're seeing big plays in the passing game against the Browns defense every week. That only increases the pressure on Kizer, who has to play catch-up. Cleveland is still looking for its first lead of the season.
Yahoo Sports - No. 32 (no change)
I realize they were dealing with significant injuries on Sunday and this is still a work in progress. Still, they trailed 31-0 at home to an 0-3 Bengals team. And they haven’t been competitive since Week 1 against Pittsburgh, and they trailed by 11 in the fourth quarter of that game. I’ve said often that Hue Jackson needs four or five years regardless of results, but this is getting a bit dire.
Pro Football Focus - No. 32 (no change)
Associated Press - No. 32 (no change)
Listed below is a summary table of where teams in the AFC North are ranked this week.
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| Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers | |
| CBS Sports | 24 | 32 | 25 | 10 |
| ESPN | 23 | 32 | 22 | 5 |
| NFL.com | 26 | 32 | 23 | 6 |
| Bleacher Report | 26 | 32 | 23 | 2 |
| Yahoo Sports | 24 | 32 | 23 | 2 |
| Pro Football Focus | 17 | 32 | 21 | 5 |
| Associated Press | 25 | 32 | 21 | 3 |
| Average | 23.6 (up 3.8) |
32.0 (even) |
22.6 (down 3.9) |
4.7 (up 2.2) |