Here is a summary of how the Cleveland Browns are viewed across mainstream media outlets in NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 13.
CBS Sports - No. 32 (no change)
Will they win? Can they win? Does it matter if they win? Changes are coming.
ESPN - No. 32 (no change)
As bad as the Browns have been, their rushing defense has been stellar. They're allowing 3.3 yards per rush and 1.7 yards before contact per rush, both second best in the NFL. And no, it's not because opposing teams kneel a lot. Take away kneel-downs and the Browns still rank second best in each.
NFL.com - No. 32 (no change)
The Browns simply can't find their way out of the jungle that is the fourth quarter, and couldn't manage late in Cincinnati, either. It's been swampier for Hue Jackson's guys than where Luke Skywalker parked his ride in "Empire." The Browns were down one score to the Bengals in the final stanza, before letting Joe Mixon glide past them on three meaty runs to put Cincy back up two scores. Gleaning positives from Cleveland's weekly performances is getting tired, but promising signs are apparent from DeShone Kizer. Is he the future? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, the repeated losses are about much more than the quarterback.
Bleacher Report - No. 32 (no change)
Listen, there's no way to sugarcoat it: The Cleveland Browns are not a good team. Did DeShone Kizer do some positive things against the Cincinnati Bengals? Sure. Most importantly, he avoided turnovers. He also made some nice throws down the stretch to keep the game competitive.
Ultimately, though, this is a team that lacks playmakers on both sides of the ball. Aside from Myles Garrett and perhaps Corey Coleman, there isn't anyone opponents need to game-plan for. In addition, the offense isn't creative enough to make up for that lack of elite talent—and the Browns are still asking a rookie signal-caller to run it. Maybe the return of Josh Gordon will help bring the Browns a spark. Regardless, Cleveland is the worst team in football.
Yahoo Sports - No. 32 (no change)
Josh Gordon is slated to return this week, and Hue Jackson said he’ll play a lot on Sunday. We’ll see how much Gordon can handle. His last game was Dec. 21, 2014. But it’s one of the more interesting stories to track over the remainder of the season.
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.
Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers | |
CBS Sports | 21 | 32 | 12 | 3 |
ESPN | 19 | 32 | 16 | 4 |
NFL.com | 20 | 32 | 15 | 4 |
Bleacher Report | 16 | 32 | 15 | 5 |
Yahoo Sports | 20 | 32 | 17 | 3 |
Pro Football Focus | 18 | 32 | 12 | 4 |
Associated Press | 20 | 32 | 14 | 3 |
Average | 19.1 (up 0.9) |
32.0 (same) |
14.4 (up 1.5) |
3.7 (down 0.1) |