NFL Power Rankings: Browns get no moral points, Steelers climb to No. 1 in Week 15

Here is a summary of how the Cleveland Browns are viewed across mainstream media outlets in NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 15.

CBS Sports - No. 32 (no change)

They had their chance to get their first victory, but blew a 14-point lead to the Packers. That was so Browns-like.

ESPN - No. 32 (no change)

The Browns are winless, but there have been some bright spots, and nothing is more encouraging than the rushing defense. They've allowed 3.3 yards per rush, the fewest in the NFL this season and a massive improvement over last season, when they ranked 29th.

NFL.com - No. 32 (no change)

Guess it goes without saying that DeShone Kizer can't unload that ball in overtime. At least not like he did, with his pass looking more like a Roman candle than any ball Brian Sipe put up. Chris Spielman nailed it in on the broadcast, saying that Kizer simply panicked. The Packers caught Kizer's toss (punt?), and another loss was soon in the books. More significant than Kizer's blunder was another viable outing from the Browns' defense, which couldn't hold Brett Hundley down in the end but has overcome being kept on the field all season by a non-existent Browns offense. More -- much more -- significant: the hiring of John Dorsey, a football man, as GM. This signals a departure from Moneyball and a departure from meddling. Having recently watched Brad Pitt in track suits play Billy Beane in "Moneyball," I'm a fan of sabermetrics. That said, the Browns aren't the 2002 A's, and Bill James isn't walking through that door.

Bleacher Report - No. 32 (no change)

Oh, the poor Cleveland Browns. They put together a valiant effort against the Green Bay Packers—especially in a distraction-filled week that saw the firing of Sashi Brown and the hiring of new general manager John Dorsey. This was their best opportunity of the season to win a game. While Cleveland had a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter, though, the Browns found a way to blow it.

The Browns are no good, plain and simple. While there are bright spots on both sides of the ball for the future, Cleveland can't get it together and finish off a game. Rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer has been a big part of the problem. Some of the throws Kizer made Sunday were impressive, but his interception in overtime was what put the Packers in position to win. If he cannot eliminate the mistakes that keep haunting Cleveland, Kizer isn't going to establish himself as an NFL starter.

Yahoo Sports - No. 32 (no change)

I can’t believe the Browns blew Sunday’s game. Actually, never mind — I absolutely can believe it. That seemed like their shot to avoid 0-16, and they blew a 21-7 lead. On the bright side, what receiver Josh Gordon is doing three years after playing his last game is amazing. Don’t kid yourself, it’s not easy to be that good that fast after three years off.

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	24	32	14	1
ESPN	23	32	12	1
NFL.com	25	32	13	1
Bleacher Report	24	32	15	3
Yahoo Sports	26	32	12	1
Pro Football Focus	23	32	14	2
Associated Press	23	32	12	1
Average	24.0 (down 3.3)	32.0 (same)	13.1 (down 1.5)	1.4 (up 2.9)