The Browns got their first win and now see a bump in the Week 4 NFL Power Rankings.
It is Week 4, and last week, the Cleveland Browns were probably a few minutes away from being ranked as the worst team in football, on their way to being shut out. Instead, the script has flipped: they rose four spots this week, with an average ranking of 25.4, thanks to a stunning 13-10 comeback in regulation against the Packers. The victory this early in the season puts the Browns with a 1-2 record and technically tied for a playoff spot, meaning there is still plenty of time to turn the offense around. The defense, on the other hand, is for real.
Here is a summary of how the Cleveland Browns are viewed across mainstream media outlets in NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season.
CBS Sports – No. 22 (up 6 spots)
The defense has been dominant for three weeks and beating the Packers was vindication for that unit. The offense does need to get it going — or make a change at quarterback.
ESPN – No. 26 (up 4 spots)
Biggest issue on defense: Only one takeaway so far
The Browns’ defense has done just about everything right, including leading the league in yards allowed per game (204.3), but takeaways have been a point of emphasis. Safety Grant Delpit‘s late interception on Sunday against the Packers gave Cleveland its first takeaway since Week 16 of 2024 — and a much-needed momentum swing. “Grant got that first one for us, and I think they’ll start coming in bunches,” cornerback Greg Newsome II said. “I think the football gods are on our side right now.”
NFL.com – No. 25 (up 6 spots)
Shelby Harris’ late block not only dramatically changed the arc of Sunday’s incredible win, but it also put him in rare air. That was Harris’ sixth-career blocked FG try in his 12th season, making him one of the elite niche players in the NFL. But the Browns also have a young foundation that appears too good to overlook suddenly. We’ll see if they got the QB pick(s) right, but so far, Mason Graham, Carson Schwesinger, Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin Jr. have been fabulous rookie additions from GM Andrew Berry, with each of them having their fingerprints on Cleveland’s dramatic victory — the first of the season. Joe Flacco still looks old at times, and the offensive limitations can’t be ignored, but this win seemed to alter the outlook for this team.
Sporting News – No. 26 (up 5 spots)
The Browns‘ defense has been competitive over the first three games of the season against the Bengals, Ravens and Packers. Myles Garrett had his group’s efforts pay off, even without much of anything from Joe Flacco and the offense, which had to feel great.
Yahoo Sports – No. 27 (up 3 spots)
The Browns’ defense is going to keep Cleveland in most games. And in some of those games the Browns will catch enough breaks to pull an upset. Cleveland shut down Green Bay on Sunday. No team will want to face the Browns due to that defense.
Bleacher Report – No. 26 (up 2 spots)
The Cleveland Browns aren’t going to win many games this year, but their defense can help them get a few victories and force some of the league’s top teams to earn every point in competitive battles.
After giving up 41 points to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2, Cleveland’s defense held the Green Bay Packers to 10 points last Sunday.
As was the case in Week 3, the Browns are capable of upsetting any team if their defense keeps them within a couple of scores.
USA Today – No. 26 (up 5 spots)
As Shedeur Sanders’ father, Deion (Dion?), famously uttered, “If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good.” Props to the “Alpha Dawgs” (presented by DUDE Wipes) who managed to upset the mighty Pack despite their appearance Sunday.
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 | 19 | 22 | 11 | 18 |
| ESPN | 20 | 26 | 7 | 17 |
| NFL.com | 20 | 25 | 7 | 16 |
| Sporting News | 15 | 26 | 9 | 12 |
| Yahoo Sports | 22 | 27 | 7 | 17 |
| Bleacher Report | 18 | 26 | 8 | 13 |
| USA Today | 20 | 26 | 7 | 14 |
| Average | 19.1 (down 4.2) | 25.4 (up 4.5) | 8.0 (down 3.9) | 15.3 (up 2.7) |
What do you think of the Browns’ ranking this week?
Category: General Sports
