Here is a summary of how the Cleveland Browns are viewed across mainstream media outlets in NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 4.
CBS Sports - No. 32 (down 4 spots)
It's going to be a long season. The defense was a problem area against the Colts and Jacoby Brissett.
ESPN - No. 32 (down 3 spots)
Kizer has the fourth-worst Total QBR (26.6) this season, but there is some good news. Well, kind of. His QBR through three career starts is better than Brandon Weeden's and Johnny Manziel's, so that's good. The Bengals and Jets are up next for the Browns, so there's hope for improvement.
NFL.com - No. 32 (down 4 spots)
Not a fan of putting the pesky Browns in the last position, but the effort from the defense in the loss to the Colts earned it. DeShone Kizer must avoid the red-zone turnovers, as well. That said, Kizer absolutely displayed why he belongs. Frankly, I am glad Cleveland is playing Kizer now, effectively working out freshman kinks while expectations are low. What wasn't low? Jordan Leslie's one-handed catch. RIDICULOUS. Definitely worth a rewatch -- here you go.
Bleacher Report - No. 32 (down 2 spots)
The Browns are young. That's the first thing that jumps out about this team. There isn't any elite talent in the secondary, either, which causes the defense to give up some long plays, like it did against the Colts. The front seven is solid, but the Browns are missing their biggest defensive player: Myles Garrett. There isn't anyone up front who can take over a game. There isn't anyone who is going to make an opposing offense change its game plan.
It's a similar situation on the other side of the ball. Rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer can make some impressive throws, but he's also going to make rookie mistakes, like his three interceptions Sunday. As is the case in the secondary, the Browns don't have any elite talent around Kizer on offense. In fact, Browns receivers have actively been hurting Kizer with drops. Cleveland isn't a talented enough team to overcome multiple mistakes.
Yahoo Sports - No. 32 (down 3 spots)
I don’t love putting the Browns at No. 32. I want to be optimistic and see progress. But after a decent showing Week 1, they’ve looked hopeless against the Ravens (who looked awful on Sunday) and the Colts, who aren’t very good either.
Pro Football Focus - No. 32 (no change)
Associated Press - No. 32 (down 4 spots)
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 | 30 | 32 | 23 | 8 |
| ESPN | 25 | 32 | 18 | 6 |
| NFL.com | 30 | 32 | 20 | 13 |
| Bleacher Report | 30 | 32 | 14 | 4 |
| Yahoo Sports | 28 | 32 | 22 | 4 |
| Pro Football Focus | 22 | 32 | 20 | 4 |
| Associated Press | 27 | 32 | 14 | 9 |
| Average | 27.4 (down 0.7) |
32.0 (down 3.0) |
18.7 (down 5.0) |
6.9 (down 2.9) |