Here is a summary of how the Cleveland Browns are viewed across mainstream media outlets in NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 17.
CBS Sports - No. 16 (no change)
If they beat the Ravens this week, they will finish with a winning record. Do they keep Gregg Williams if that happens?
USA Today - No. 16 (no change)
They’re guaranteed to finish above .500 in divisional play. The last time that happened (1994), Bill Belichick was Cleveland’s head coach.
NFL.com - No. 16 (no change)
Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey ... the Browns aren’t going away. Baker Mayfield has infused energy into Cleveland’s beloved football team, further injecting the city with enthusiasm by throwing three touchdown passes in the Browns’ 26-18 win over the visiting Bengals. Don’t sleep on Nick Chubb, the lesser known Cleveland rookie, who chipped in (again) with 115 scrimmage yards. Now these feisty Browns have a chance to play spoiler, for real, with the Ravens fighting for the AFC North crown in Week 17. The run defense will be the key, an area that wasn’t particularly stout against Jeff Driskel and Joe Mixon on Sunday. Lamar Jackson is on a whole ‘nother level compared to anyone Cincy was trotting out there.
Historical note: A Cleveland victory will give the Browns their first winning season since 2007, when Otto Graham was quarterbacking.
MMQB - No. 16 (no change)
Yahoo Sports - No. 16 (down 1 spot)
We’re going to get a good game between the Browns and Ravens. The Browns aren’t alive for the playoffs, but securing a winning season and ruining the Ravens’ AFC North championship hopes would be a perfect way to end a pretty good year.
ESPN - No. 16 (up 1 spot)
Non-QB MVP: RB Nick Chubb has been consistent and productive since he became the starter after the trade of Carlos Hyde. Chubb has averaged more than 5 yards per carry and has 10 runs of longer than 20 yards. Four of those runs are longer than 40 yards, including a team-record 92-yarder. Chubb’s running has been key in opening up the offense.
Associated Press - No. 16 (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 | 16 | 6 | 15 |
| USA Today | 31 | 16 | 6 | 15 |
| NFL.com | 28 | 16 | 5 | 11 |
| MMQB | 25 | 16 | 4 | 10 |
| Yahoo Sports | 30 | 16 | 9 | 11 |
| ESPN | 25 | 16 | 8 | 11 |
| Associated Press | 26 | 16 | 9 | 12 |
| Average | 27.0 (down 1.8) |
16.0 (no change) |
6.7 (up 4.5) |
12.1 (down 4.5) |