Friday, November 26, 2021

Cleveland Browns Week 12 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Cleveland Browns rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 15 (15th)
  • Best ranking: 14 (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 17 (The Athletic)

Below you will find a Week 12 roundup for the Browns in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 15

Most memorable Thanksgiving game: Browns fall to the Lions 13-10 on Nov. 23, 1989

The Browns have never won on Thanksgiving Day -- and haven't played on the holiday since 1989. That Thanksgiving, the Browns gave up 145 rushing yards to a rookie running back named Barry Sanders. Despite that, they had a chance to tie the game late, yet missed a field goal. Still, Cleveland rebounded from the defeat to capture its division title, win a playoff game and reach the AFC Championship Game for the third time in four seasons. -- Jake Trotter

NFL.com -- Rank: 14

Where would the Browns be without Nick Chubb? The star running back returned from a one-game COVID-19-related absence and ran for 130 yards with a receiving touchdown in a 13-10 win over the hapless Lions. Now, the drama: Baker Mayfield struggled through four quarters, walked off the field immediately upon the game's conclusion, then left the stadium without speaking to reporters. Mayfield is banged up and not playing well, but his postgame behavior only draws more attention to his struggles. With the playoffs in sight, could Kevin Stefanski flirt with the idea of turning to Case Keenum down the stretch? Sunday night's matchup against the Ravens will be critical on multiple levels.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 15

They still aren't playing well, but at 6-5 they are doing enough to stay in the playoff hunt. They face a huge division game with the Ravens this week.

USA Today -- Rank: 14

A much-needed Week 13 bye week is sandwiched by two games against Baltimore -- meaning a careening Cleveland team will get little respite much as Baker Mayfield and Co. could use it.

The Athletic -- Rank: 17

Best side dish: Imagine where the Browns would be without running back Nick Chubb. That would be like a Thanksgiving table without stuffing. If not for the three games he's missed because of injuries or COVID-19, Chubb would be in contention for the NFL rushing title. As it is, he's third in total rushing yards (851) and he's averaging more yards per carry (6.0) than the other top backs, including Jonathan Taylor, Derrick Henry, Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook.

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