Showing posts with label Cleveland Browns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cleveland Browns. Show all posts

Friday, August 29, 2025

The Daily Blitz: EDSFootball.com Updates for August 29, 2025

Earlier today, we updated fantasy football rankings, projections for multiple teams and posted a new fantasy football mock draft on EDSFootball.com.

As we head into Labor Day weekend and the busiest part of fantasy football draft season, I have updated my positional rankings and overall top 200 fantasy football cheat sheet.

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More rankings: QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | Top 150

2025 Fantasy Football QB Rankings

1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Putting aside the debate over who should have won the NFL MVP award last season, it's clear that both Allen and Lamar Jackson had MVP-caliber seasons, especially as voters split their votes for MVP and the 2024 AP NFL All-Pro first team. Going into fantasy drafts this summer, Allen vs. Jackson will be the difficult (or easy) choice facing fantasy managers — and to be clear, the "easy" part is that you can't go wrong with either.

Allen posted five-year lows in several passing categories — attempts (483), yards (3,731) and touchdowns (28) — but his dual-threat skill set is what makes him so dangerous. Allen now has (at least) 12 rushing touchdowns in back-to-back seasons and 500-plus rushing yards in four consecutive seasons. He has finished as a top-two fantasy quarterback for five consecutive seasons.

2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

What a year it was Jackson, who posted career highs in passing yards (4,172) and touchdowns (41) while leading the NFL in TD% (8.6%), yards per attempt (8.8) and passer rating (119.6)! It was the second time in his career that he has finished as fantasy's QB1. He posted a 9% TD% in his other overall QB1 season (2019), and then followed that up with a 6.9% rate in 2020. His career average is 6.4%. Long story short, he was absolutely phenomenal in 2024, but last year's ratios would be unsustainable for any quarterback including Jackson (even though he could repeat as fantasy's QB1). Although he has a max of five rushing touchdowns over the past four seasons, Jackson is the NFL's all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards, averaging a whopping 1,019 yards per 17 games over his career.

> Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football QB Rankings


2025 Fantasy Football RB Rankings

1. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

Robinson (not Saquon Barkley) should be the RB1 in 2025 fantasy football drafts, especially considering Barkley's historic 2024 volume (most combined regular-season and playoff touches in a decade). The 23-year-old running back racked up 1,887 scrimmage yards and scored 15 total touchdowns on 365 touches including 61 receptions. From Week 6 on, Robinson averaged more fantasy points per game (21.1) than all other running backs. During that 12-game span, he averaged 19.8/97.6 rushing, 3.6/23.3 receiving and scored 14 total touchdowns.

2. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

Gibbs set or tied career highs across the board in rushing (250/1,412/16, 5.6 YPC) and receiving (52/517/4, 9.9 Y/R) in his second season. Gibbs was also top five among running backs with a minimum of 17 targets in yards per route run (1.67) and YAC per reception (11.5), per PFF. Gibbs was especially good when David Montgomery missed the final three regular-season games (RB1 overall), but he was also the RB3 (RB4 on a PPG basis) from Weeks 1 to 15 when Montgomery was also active.

> Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football RB Rankings


2025 Fantasy Football WR Rankings

1. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

Posting career highs in his age-24 season, Chase led the NFL in receptions (127), yards (1,708) and touchdowns (17) in 2024 to become the fifth triple crown winner since the league merger. Chase had at least five catches and/or 50 yards in all but one game in 2024, but he also had several monster games. There were nine 35-point wide receiver performances league-wide in 2024, and Chase had three (one-third) of them. From Week 5 on, Chase had a 31.46% target share with a weekly minimum of 24.32%. He's the easy choice to select first overall in fantasy drafts this summer.

2. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys

Lamb played several weeks dealing with a shoulder injury before shutting it down with a couple of games to go. While his (and Dak Prescott's) injuries factor in, his numbers were down considerably from 2023. Lamb set career lows in yards per reception (11.8) and target (7.9) and his per game averages dropped from 7.9/102.9/0.7 (2023) to 6.7/79.6/0.4 (2024). When everything's clicking, however, Lamb is as productive as any receiver in the league.

> Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football WR Rankings


2025 Fantasy Football TE Rankings

1. Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders

Bowers led all tight ends in receptions (112), targets (153) and receiving yards (1,194) despite being a rookie with sub-par quarterback play. Only George Kittle scored more fantasy points on a per-game basis, and Bowers led the position in overall points. While it may be difficult to outproduce his rookie numbers, few, if any, tight ends are the focal point of their passing offense the way Bowers is. Even though the Raiders will run the ball more often in 2025, Ashton Jeanty's presence will benefit the pass catchers indirectly by helping to sustain longer drives and Geno Smith will make the passing attack more efficient.

2. Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals

The good news is that McBride smashed previous career highs in targets (147), receptions (111) and receiving yards (1,146). Among all players (wide receivers included), he finished eighth, fourth, and 11th, respectively, in those categories. The bad news is that he had only two touchdowns and has a total of six through three NFL seasons. If there's a glimmer of hope, McBride finished top three in TE targets from inside the 20 (21, T-2nd), 15 (16, T-2nd), 10 (12, 1st) and 5 (seven, T-1st).

Yes, Brock Bowers deserves to be TE1 in fantasy drafts, but it's a 1A/1B (or 1A/1A) situation with Bowers and McBride. Even though I have Bowers ranked ahead of McBride, the former Colorado State tight end may offer a little more value nearly a round later.

> Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football TE Rankings


Top 200 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet

> Continue reading our Top 200 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet


Cleveland Browns 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Cleveland Browns.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Joe Flacco266.4164.51891.411.326.3924.756.81.01119.9
Dillon Gabriel177.6112.81198.86.224.4422.595.60.6877.59
Shedeur Sanders14894.71006.45.334.0720.275.80.7165.28
QB Totals5923724096.622.8714.967.4228.22.4262.77

Joe Flacco: While Flacco will open the season as the starter, it's also very likely that the rookies will both make starts in 2025. In his first stint with the Browns (2023), Flacco won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. In five starts (four wins), Flacco threw for 1,616 yards (323.2 per game), 13 touchdowns (6.4%) and eight interceptions (3.9%). The more games Flacco starts, the more ideal it will be for the team's top pass catchers as well.

Dillon Gabriel: The current quarterback depth chart is 1) Flacco, 2) Gabriel, and 3) Shedeur Sanders. While Gabriel may be the first rookie to draw starts, it's likely that Sanders will get a chance as well.

Shedeur Sanders: With two first-round picks (and low expectations for 2025), Cleveland will likely be in prime position to draft one near the top of the 2026 NFL Draft and it would make sense for them to get as many evaluation data points for both Gabriel and Sanders as possible before then.

MORE: Continue reading our Cleveland Browns 2025 Fantasy Football Projections


Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Baker Mayfield538.3364.73956.528.5313.1961.3239.11.96281.67
Teddy Bridgewater34.422.8249.41.340.794.6170.1416.3
QB Totals572.7387.54205.929.8713.9865.9256.12.1297.97

Baker Mayfield: Mayfield set career highs in passing yards (4,500) and touchdowns (41), although he also led the NFL in interceptions (16). That said, he finished as fantasy's QB4 in 2024 after finishing as the QB10 in his first season with the Bucs. Only Lamar Jackson (16) had more QB1 finishes last season than Mayfield (13). While he'll have his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons, new OC Josh Grizzard was the passing game coordinator for Liam Coen, who's now Jacksonville's head coach. First-round pick Emeka Egbuka should make a significant and immediate impact, but regression and injuries/rehabs for left tackle Tristan Wirfs and wide receivers Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan to start the season could lead to a disappointing season compared to his fantasy ADP.

MORE: Continue reading our Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections


Indianapolis Colts 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Indianapolis Colts.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Daniel Jones439.12812985.914.4910.169.6365.42.61209.4
Anthony Richardson109.856757.63.733.8434.8198.43.1376.16
QB Totals548.93373743.518.2213.94104.4563.85.74285.56

Daniel Jones: Jones has been named "the starting quarterback for the season." While there may not be a "short leash," it's certainly possible that both Jones and Anthony Richardson make starts in 2025. Jones is an underrated rusher and he shouldn't tank the passing attack the way Richardson may have.

Anthony Richardson: While he's been terrible as a passer — 50.6% completion rate through 15 starts with more interceptions (13) thrown than touchdowns (11), Richardson will have enormous rushing upside if/when he starts. In fact, he has scored nearly as many rushing touchdowns (10) as he's thrown. As much as Jones has been named the starter "for the season," it's definitely possible that Richardson draws starts this season.

MORE: Continue reading our Indianapolis Colts 2025 Fantasy Football Projections


2025 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-Team Half-PPR Mock (7th Pick)

The best way to become good at something is to practice. So, what should you do if you want to draft a better fantasy football team?

Practice, of course!

Leading up to the start of the 2025 NFL season, we will use the fantasy football mock draft simulator to complete fantasy football mock drafts. And we will do so using a variety of scoring formats — point per reception (PPR), half-PPR, standard scoring and even 2-QB leagues — and league sizes. The goal is to provide you with a good representation of the team that you may be able to draft given your league settings while also providing the rationale of why we made the picks we did.

> Our 2025 mocks will be centralized here: Fantasy Football Mock Drafts.

That said, nothing beats practicing yourself so (check out the simulator) and complete a mock in a matter of minutes.

Half-PPR Mock Draft: 12 Teams, 7th Pick

Starting positions: 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex (RB/WR/TE), 1 K, 1 DST; Bench spots: 6

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1.07 - Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants

Maybe Jaxson Dart will develop into a franchise quarterback, but New York's 2025 quarterback situation (Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston and Dart) is an upgrade over what they had last year no matter who is starting. Despite missing a couple of games and the state of the team's quarterback play, Nabers finished his rookie campaign as fantasy's WR7. With a league-high 10 games with double-digit targets and more targets than all receivers not named Ja'Marr Chase, Nabers never finished with fewer than four catches, seven targets or 41 yards in any game in 2024.

2.06 - Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Like with Derrick Henry, a concern with Taylor is the lack of receiving volume. That said, he should get more targets (and fewer rushing touchdowns vultured) from Daniel Jones than Anthony Richardson. Taylor, who missed Weeks 5-7, had only 12/59/1 receiving on 21 targets over the final 10 games of the season. But his rushing numbers over that span were elite — 231 carries for 1,082 yards, both of which were second to only Saquon Barkley, and seven touchdowns.

3.07 - Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

While he would be a WR1 elsewhere, Higgins will continue to benefit from being the 1B to Ja'Marr Chase. While he has missed exactly five games in back-to-back seasons, Higgins finished second (behind Chase) among all wide receivers in fantasy points per game in 2024.

4.06 - Davante Adams, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Adams, who was traded midseason from the Raiders to the Jets, still managed to extend his streak of 1,000-yard, eight-TD seasons to five. Even though he turns 33 on Christmas Eve and won't dominate targets the way he had at previous stops, he should have (or come close to having) another 1,000/8 season with good health from Matthew Stafford (back).

MORE: 2025 Los Angeles Rams Fantasy Football Projections

MORE: Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-Team Half-PPR Mock (7th Pick)

Sunday, August 3, 2025

EDSFootball.com Updates for August 3, 2025

Earlier today, we updated fantasy football projections for multiple teams on EDSFootball.com.

We've updated fantasy football projections for multiple teams today — see below:

Projected fantasy points are based on half-PPR scoring.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

Washington Commanders 2025 Fantasy Football Projections


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Jayden Daniels499.5339.73696.326.479.24128.2743.65.13340.39
Marcus Mariota34.722.6249.81.560.8714.170.50.6825.62
QB Totals534.2362.33946.128.0310.11142.3814.15.81366.01

Jayden Daniels: For good reason, Daniels was a favorite of many as a late-round target in fantasy drafts, and the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year delivered for those who rostered him in 2024. Daniels' ADP was QB12 (or a little later, depending on the site), and the dual-threat quarterback finished his rookie season as a top-five fantasy quarterback. Along with Lamar Jackson (2023 and 2024) and Kyler Murray (2020), Daniels became only the third quarterback in NFL history to throw and run for at least 3,500 and 800 yards, respectively, in the same season. The front office's offseason moves support his continued development as he enters year two aside from the franchise's contract standoff with Terry McLaurin.

MORE: Continue reading our Washington Commanders 2025 Fantasy Football Projections


Houston Texans 2025 Fantasy Football Projections


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
C.J. Stroud539.7343.83993.823.488.6440.91801.35262.49
Davis Mills34.421.5230.51.270.894.413.60.1614.84
QB Totals574.1365.34224.324.759.5345.3193.61.51277.33

C.J. Stroud: What a difference a year made, as Stroud finished his 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign as fantasy's QB8 in points per game and as the QB26 in 2024. The coaching staff did him no favors and Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell ended the year on IR with Nico Collins also missing five games in 2024. With the additions of Christian Kirk in free agency and Iowa State rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in the draft and a new offensive coaching staff in place, there is some optimism for Stroud to rebound in 2025 although the offensive line remains an issue.

MORE: Continue reading our Houston Texans 2025 Fantasy Football Projections


Cleveland Browns 2025 Fantasy Football Projections


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Joe Flacco189.41171344.78.054.5513.531.10.5583.3
Dillon Gabriel136.186.4918.74.763.423.6100.30.7163.28
Shedeur Sanders142.190.9966.35.123.9120.275.80.7163.15
Kenny Pickett124.377.6820.43.732.4919.157.30.8653.65
QB Totals591.9371.94050.121.6614.3576.4264.52.83263.38

Joe Flacco: Yes, I'm hedging my bets by projecting starts for four different quarterbacks. Outside of 2-QB leagues, however, all of them are far off the fantasy radar so there's no real need to try to make a premature call one way or the other. Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal recently wrote: "This is Flacco's job to lose. Period." In his first stint with the Browns (2023), Flacco won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. In five starts (four wins), Flacco threw for 1,616 yards (323.2 per game), 13 touchdowns (6.4%) and eight interceptions (3.9%). The more games Flacco starts, the more ideal it will be for the team's top pass catchers as well.

Shedeur Sanders: Even those who projected a slide for Sanders couldn't have expected that he would have slipped to the fifth round (144th overall). If you told someone before the draft that he would be the second quarterback selected by his new team (especially with the first being a third-rounder), most would have thought you were crazy. Despite the less-than-ideal (numerical) draft slot, I wouldn't rule out Sanders (and Gabriel) making starts this season. With two first-round picks (and low expectations for 2025), Cleveland will likely be in prime position to draft one near the top of the 2026 NFL Draft and it would make sense for them to get as many evaluation data points for Sanders/Gabriel as possible before then.

Kenny Pickett: Beat writer Mary Kay Cabot wrote earlier this offseason that Pickett was viewed "as the frontrunner to win the starting job at the outset." That said, he's battled a hamstring injury recently and he's not a lock to make the 53-man roster. In the two seasons where he was the primary starter for the Steelers (2022-2023), Pickett threw 13 touchdowns (1.8%) in 24 starts and averaged 179 passing yards per game with 6.3 per attempt.

MORE: Continue reading our Cleveland Browns 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Friday, May 17, 2024

Cleveland Browns 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the Cleveland Browns in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 12

Most improved: Wide receiver

It has been a rather quiet offseason for the Browns, who have mainly re-signed their own and made small outside additions. However, the team's biggest move has been its trade for wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. The 2020 first-round pick has yet to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards in a season but gives Cleveland additional playmaking in the passing game alongside wide receiver Amari Cooper and tight end David Njoku. Jeudy averaged a career-high 6 yards after catch per reception last season, a figure that ranked ninth in the league among 77 wide receivers with at least 50 targets. -- Daniel Oyefusi

NFL.com -- Rank: 12

For where they were picking, the Browns did OK for themselves, especially with the top three selections of DT Michael Hall Jr., G Zak Zinter and WR Jamari Thrash. They attacked some of their bigger needs, mostly aimed at getting younger, and did a solid job throughout. Even CB Myles Harden, scooped up in the seventh round, got me a little excited. And their approach was slightly out of character, with GM Andrew Berry not pulling off a single trade and the Browns selecting a few older prospects. But all of that is window dressing for the major storyline this year: Can Deshaun Watson prove his worth? Nick Chubb's status is still a question mark as he recovers from last year's major knee injury, but the offensive line should mostly be back healthy. There are five (or more) quality pass-catching options. The defense, we know, is top-notch. So all eyes turn to No. 4. He's potentially the difference between a good season and a great one.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 14

They will get Deshaun Watson back healthy this year, which puts all the pressure on him to get this team to the playoffs again. Hey, Joe Flacco did it.

USA Today -- Rank: 11

Rookie DT Michael Hall Jr. is the first player this team has selected in the first two rounds over the past three drafts. Their Deshaun Watson draft debt paid in full, the Browns are scheduled to return to Round 1 in 2025. But do they have enough, aside from the return of Watson and RB Nick Chubb, to go further in the interim?

The Athletic -- Rank: 8

It's tough to add much help when your first pick is at No. 54, but Cleveland was still paying bills from the Deshaun Watson trade. The good news is that trade is now officially complete, and the Browns will have a first-round draft pick in 2025 for the first time since 2021. Unless, of course, they make another deal.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 10

Theoretically, the Browns have a loaded roster and are getting their starting QB back from injury. Now, Deshaun Watson just needs to actually play like the guy they traded the farm to get. If he does, Cleveland is a contender. If he doesn't, yikes.

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Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Way-too-early Cleveland Browns 2025 NFL mock draft roundup

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, we will update our Cleveland Browns Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Cleveland Browns from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Browns:

Fox Sports - Rob Rang (5/3)

18. Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

To earn a first-round NFL draft selection, Milroe will have to show significant improvement as a pocket passer, but he has a head coach in Kalen DeBoer who can develop his accuracy and anticipation and, of course, already boasts elite size and athleticism. Milroe will be one of the most fascinating and closely scrutinized prospects in the country next season.

ESPN - Jordan Reid (5/2)

18. Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU

Jack Conklin and Dawand Jones are coming off knee injuries, and Jedrick Wills Jr. is entering the final year of his contract, making offensive tackle a high priority in Cleveland. A forceful and tenacious run-blocker, Emery Jones Jr. embarrasses defenders by imposing his will. He allowed four sacks in 2023 as a pass-protector, and his hand timing and placement must improve. But his power makes him an intriguing prospect.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

San Diego Union-Tribune - Eddie Brown (5/2)

16. Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State

The Browns could certainly be in the market for a QB if Deshaun Watson continues to flounder, but here I give them the reigning Doak Walker Award winner just in case Nick Chubb doesn't return to form after another knee injury. Next year's running back class is much better than this year.

The Athletic - Dane Brugler (4/30)

16. Earnest Greene III, OT, Georgia

One of the reasons Amarius Mims stayed at right tackle last season was because Georgia had Greene, a Freshman All-American, at left tackle. If Greene takes another jump in his development in 2024, he will have an NFL decision to make after the season.

PFF - Max Chadwick (4/29)

17. Harold Perkins Jr., EDGE/LB, LSU

Perkins is going to be a fascinating prospect to follow. While he has elite pass-rushing ability, he is too small to play edge defender full time (6-foot-1 and 220 pounds). As a true off-ball linebacker this past season, he struggled as a run defender but flashed in coverage (81.1 coverage grade). Perkins is more of a defensive chess piece than a pure linebacker, but he could shine in Jim Schwartz's defense alongside Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, assuming the team retains him once his contract expires.

The 33rd Team - Marcus Mosher (4/29)

15. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

There is a lot of hype around Quinn Ewers, but the tape just isn't there yet. There were a lot of missed throws last year, but he clearly has the talent to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Can he take the next step in 2024? We shall see.

USA Today - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (4/28)

25. Earnest Greene III, OT, Georgia

The Bulldogs could see one of their offensive tackles called on Day 1 for the third consecutive year with Greene, who holds down the left side for Georgia. The Browns might soon need to reshuffle their protection plan for Deshaun Watson with left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. entering the final year of his deal.

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Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Cleveland Browns Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 10 roundup for the Cleveland Browns in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 10

Non-QB MVP: DE Myles Garrett

Garrett has gone from perennial All-Pro to front-runner for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He is tied for second in the league with 9.5 sacks, spearheading one of the NFL's top defenses. Last month, Garrett became the first player this millennium to finish a game with two sacks, two forced fumbles and a blocked field goal, as he almost single-handedly carried the Browns to a win over the Colts. Despite several injuries to its offense, Cleveland is in the thick of the playoff picture. Garrett is the biggest reason. -- Jake Trotter

NFL.com -- Rank: 10

The Browns had five scoring marches against Arizona, but the starting field positions on the TD drives were the Arizona 49-yard line, the Arizona 11 and the Cleveland 44. That final drive featured a 49-yard dime from Deshaun Watson to Amari Cooper; earlier, they connected for 59. Those two passes represented nearly half of Watson's passing yards Sunday, but they're the plays that provide hope this air attack can elevate, with the playoffs now clearly in sight. The AFC North is an absolute bear, with every team two-plus games over .500 and each possessing a good defense. The Browns know their passing game will be put to the test these next two weeks (at Baltimore, vs. Steelers). It's as good a time as any to prove they can throw to win.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 13

The defense just dominated the Cardinals in shutting them out with seven sacks. They didn't really need Deshaun Watson back, even though he did play.

USA Today -- Rank: 13

Their top-ranked defense ceded 58 yards Sunday, the third fewest in franchise history. Cleveland is the first team in 41 years to hold two opponents below 100 total yards in the first eight games of a season.

The Athletic -- Rank: 10

Report card: B-minus

Cleveland held Arizona to 58 yards Sunday. That's the third-lowest total in a game in the last 10 years. Quarterback Deshaun Watson also returned from his shoulder injury and threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns. The Browns are looking like they are going to be a real part of the postseason mix. The only reason their grade is not higher is the production doesn't quite match the investment. Only the Ravens are investing more cash into this season than the Browns ($281.4 million).

FOX -- Rank: 10

I'm not sure how much you're going to learn about a 27-0 bludgeoning of the worst team in the league and first-time starter Clayton Tune. But at the very least, when the Browns were presented with an overmatched opponent, they treated them like one. Now, we wait to see how much Deshaun Watson's return can improve their offense.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 10

It's hard to take anything from the Browns' performance because the Cardinals were absolutely miserable. The good news is Deshaun Watson looked healthy. As long as there are no setbacks he should stabilize Cleveland's offense.

PFT -- Rank: 13

Beat Baltimore on Sunday, and this team could be ready to make a run.

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Saturday, November 4, 2023

Cleveland Browns Week 9 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 9 roundup for the Cleveland Browns in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 12

This is not what the Browns envisioned when they gave Deshaun Watson a $230 million fully guaranteed contract. This season, Watson has played in only three full games. When he has been on the field, he hasn't played well (41.4 QBR). Watson continues to nurse the rotator cuff strain to his throwing shoulder, and his return date remains unclear. Backup PJ Walker has played valiantly in his place, leading the Browns on winning drives in back-to-back wins over the 49ers and Colts. But Sunday, his three turnovers proved costly in a loss at Seattle. -- Jake Trotter

NFL.com -- Rank: 12

PJ Walker has been a savior, helping keep the Browns' season afloat amid the weekly questions about Deshaun Watson's health. Though Walker was humming early on Sunday, his second-quarter INT deep in Seattle territory was a killer, as was his fourth-quarter pick with less than two minutes to go, which set up the game-winning score for the Seahawks. Walker's limitations have always been clear -- but now they're embossed in neon, with him logging six turnovers and a 49.5 completion percentage over nearly three full games. The Browns erased a 14-0 deficit at a hostile road venue in Seattle, taking the lead with less than three minutes left. But the defensive breakdowns early and late, plus Walker's inconsistency, kept them from winning a third straight in dramatic fashion.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 13

With P.J. Walker playing quarterback, they are limited in a big way on offense. It's time Deshaun Watson gets back out on the field.

USA Today -- Rank: 13

What's the fastest way to squander the NFL's top-ranked defense? Probably by fielding an offense that turns it over a league-high 17 times.

The Athletic -- Rank: 13

Something scary (for them): The Deshaun Watson contract

Every time someone in Cleveland tries to explain what's going on with Watson, it gets more confusing. The quarterback missed another game Sunday because of a shoulder injury, and no one is saying how long it will take to heal enough for him to play. Cleveland is committed to giving Watson $63.9 million of salary-cap space for each of the next three seasons and does not have a realistic financial out until after the 2026 season. In Watson's 10 starts, the Browns are 6-4 and averaging 21 points per game. That fully guaranteed deal is a lot to pay for mediocrity.

FOX -- Rank: 12

This defense is going to give the Browns a chance in every game, but it's hard when the passing game is sporadic at best — in addition to another three turnovers. I think P.J. Walker is doing a decent job given the spot he's in, but the Browns could be a true contender with better quarterback play. Will they get that this season?

Yahoo! -- Rank: 12

Kevin Stefanski was criticized for passing on third-and-3 right before the two-minute warning against the Seahawks. P.J. Walker's pass went off Jamal Adams' helmet and was picked off, and that led to a game-winning Seahawks drive. A run in that spot would have at very least given the Browns a chance to punt and make Seattle start a drive from deep in its territory. With the Ravens starting to widen their lead in the AFC North, that will be a loss the Browns regret.

PFT -- Rank: 14

If the Deshaun Watson trade was paying dividends, they'd be Super Bowl bound.

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Friday, October 20, 2023

Cleveland Browns Week 7 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 7 roundup for the Cleveland Browns in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 8

Lesson learned: The Browns' defense is for real.

The Browns' defense came into the weekend ranked No. 1 in efficiency. Then on Sunday, it shut down arguably the top offense in the league on the way to a stunning 19-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Cleveland's terrifying pass rush is led by Defensive Player of the Year candidate Myles Garrett. The revamped front is stuffing the run. The secondary is locking down the pass with a vise-grip coverage. The Browns have given up just 1,002 yards combined this season. That's the third fewest through a team's first five games since the 1970 merger, according to ESPN Stats & Info. The Browns' defense is not only legit -- it has a strong case as the NFL's best. -- Jake Trotter

NFL.com -- Rank: 10

I caught some heat on social media for putting the Browns as high as No. 12 last week, and the more doubt that was cast on Deshaun Watson's availability for Sunday, the more I started to think those critics might have been right. But Cleveland's defense turned in an incredible showing, nearly grinding the 49ers' offense to a halt, even if several San Francisco injuries were a factor in the Browns win. That defense now has staked its worthy claim as the best unit in the NFL, with PJ Walker doing enough in place of Watson against a 49ers team that's comparable to the Browns defensively. What a wild, weird season to date for Cleveland, ping-ponging back and forth between excellence and disaster.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 10

The defense came up big in the upset of the 49ers. They might have Deshaun Watson back this week, but he has to play better.

USA Today -- Rank: 11

Cleveland's stingy D has ceded 1,002 yards, fewest through five games in 52 years. On average, the Browns are surrendering 200.4 yards a week, more than 60 fewer than Baltimore's second-ranked defense.

The Athletic -- Rank: 7

The 1,002 yards allowed by the Browns this season are the fewest allowed through a team's first five games in 52 years. Sunday's win, which came on a 41-yard missed field goal by Jake Moody with nine seconds left, was Cleveland's first against a team that was 5-0 or better since 1969, according to Stathead. It also backed up the Browns' pregame shoving match with the Niners.

FOX -- Rank: 11

What a performance by the Cleveland defense. Yes, Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel left the game early — but that still left the 49ers with three other Pro Bowlers on offense. Even if they needed a missed field goal to squeak out a win, the Browns were able to fluster and flummox this San Francisco offense to a degree I didn't think was possible. If Cleveland can get anything more from the quarterback position, they're not a team you can write off.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 9

The Browns' defense isn't some secret. The NFL world has been clued into how good Cleveland's defenders are since Week 1. But shutting down the 49ers brings a lot more attention to a defense that has an argument as the best in football. It gives the Browns a foundation to be a really good team when Deshaun Watson returns, whenever that happens.

PFT -- Rank: 12

The Browns badly need a little consistency.

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Friday, October 13, 2023

Cleveland Browns Week 6 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 6 roundup for the Cleveland Browns in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 12

Fantasy surprise: Defense/Special teams

The Browns are No. 1 in defensive efficiency. They're giving up just 15 points per game (No. 2 in the NFL) and they lead the league in third-down defense (22.6% opponent conversion rate). Curiously, the Browns have forced only three turnovers, with only one interception. But with coordinator Jim Schwartz's aggressive style and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Myles Garrett leading the pass rush, the turnovers should come in time. The Browns have the 8th-easiest remaining schedule, which means they could feast on the opposition the rest of the year. -- Jake Trotter

NFL.com -- Rank: 12

Everything about Week 4, from Deshaun Watson missing the game to the defense having its first real tough outing of the season, forced us to reevaluate this team on its Week 5 bye. San Francisco is coming to town Sunday, followed by road tests at Indianapolis and Seattle, and there are enough questions to wonder if this team is built to last. The lack of offensive consistency is the most pressing issue, and we just don't know if Watson and Kevin Stefanski have the magic formula. The Nick Chubb-less run game is a limiting factor right now, and there are concerns on the offensive line (Jedrick Wills' performance, a lack of depth). As good as the defense has been, it would behoove that unit to create more turnovers. This team needs all the possessions it can steal from opponents.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 16

They come off their bye with a big game against the 49ers. They should have Deshaun Watson back, unless he declines to play again.

USA Today -- Rank: 13

Semi-eventful bye week with GM Andrew Berry explaining QB Deshaun Watson's last-minute scratch in Cleveland's previous game while defending the trade of obviously capable veteran QB2 Josh Dobbs during preseason.

The Athletic -- Rank: 16

The downside (or let's say one of the downsides) of trading away almost everything for Deshaun Watson is the Browns didn't pick until the third round this year. Still, they got some value. Fifth-round quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson was competent in fill-in duty for the injured Watson in Week 4, and fourth-rounder Dawand Jones is starting at tackle.

FOX -- Rank: 13

Deshaun Watson missed practice Monday, the first practice for the Browns coming out of their bye week. It's going to be hard enough beating San Francisco with Watson. If he can't play because of his shoulder injury, forget about it.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 11

Deshaun Watson's status for this week is still unclear due to his shoulder injury. It seemed clear in Cleveland's last game that the Browns won't win much if Watson is out. Even if Watson hasn't been great, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson isn't ready. Watson's injury status is huge for Cleveland this week.

PFT -- Rank: 17

They'll need more than one week off to be ready for the 49ers.

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Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Cleveland Browns Week 5 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 5 roundup for the Cleveland Browns in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 11

Biggest issue on defense: Forcing turnovers

Despite being No. 1 in the NFL in defensive efficiency, the Browns have continued to struggle to force turnovers. They are tied for 24th with just three forced turnovers, including only one interception. Last season, Cleveland finished 20th with 20 forced turnovers. The defense is obviously much improved this year and playing as well as any unit in the league. Still, the lack of turnovers remains. It's early, and the Browns are creating plenty of pressure on the quarterback (11th in PRWR, 48.7%). Maybe the turnovers will come. So far, they haven't. -- Jake Trotter

NFL.com -- Rank: 11

It's hard to put too much stock into a team losing with a backup QB getting his first real NFL action, but that doesn't negate the fact that Cleveland was flattened by Baltimore at home, as even the Browns' vaunted defense couldn't stop the runaway train. The Ravens led 14-3 four minutes before halftime, and the game essentially was over. Could Deshaun Watson have done anything to change the result? That's a tough question. He played well in Week 3, but before that? Meh. The funny thing is that the Browns clearly need Watson to win, but his play is also often ripe for deserved criticism. That cloaks the entire operation while Cleveland tries to regroup on bye and gear up for hosting the 49ers in Week 6.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 14

They had to play without Deshaun Watson against the Ravens, and rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson found out what regular-season football is all about. The defense wasn't as good, either. The bye comes at a good time after that loss.

USA Today -- Rank: 13

Week 5 byes are rarely desirous, but the timing is pretty good for a Cleveland team that needs to get DE Myles Garrett and QB Deshaun Watson healthy.

The Athletic -- Rank: 15

With starting quarterback Deshaun Watson out Sunday because of a shoulder injury and star running back Nick Chubb already out for the season, what had been the NFL's best defense crumbled against the Ravens. The Browns expect Watson back after their bye week, and it's going to be up to him to prove he's worth all the chaos his signing brought to Cleveland when he returns.

FOX -- Rank: 13

It's hard to judge the offense too harshly when it was revealed Sunday morning that Dorian Thompson-Robinson would have to start in place of Deshaun Watson. With a rookie facing bad situations all day, the defense just couldn't hold up. Cleveland was bound to allow some points eventually, but giving up 28 after their hot start is tough to stomach.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 10

When the Browns traded Joshua Dobbs in late August, it made sense. Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson looked good in preseason. Cleveland got a fifth-round draft pick for Dobbs and a seventh-round pick. But since then, Dobbs has looked pretty good for Arizona and when DTR was pressed into a start Sunday, he struggled and the Browns lost a big divisional game to the Ravens. Maybe the Browns wouldn't have won with Dobbs at quarterback, but they might have regret sending him away for a late-round pick.

PFT -- Rank: 17

They badly need this bye week, on both sides of the ball.

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