NFL Power Rankings: Browns rank as low as No. 30 

Sunday’s 35-14 blowout loss to the Saints hasn’t done much to help the Browns in this week’s set of NFL power rankings. 

With the defense struggling to contain Derek Carr in the air, and Taysom Hill on the ground, Cleveland has fallen as low as 30 with some major media outlets. 

Heading into a rough stretch with the Steelers ahead twice over the next month, followed by the Chiefs, Browns fans might want to get used to occupying the basement when it comes to power rankings. 

ESPN – 28th  

“Jedrick Wills Jr missed three of the first four games of the season as he returned from last year's season-ending knee injury. He then sat out the Week 8 game against the Ravens with a hyperextended left knee, which he deemed a "business decision." He was benched in favor of Dawand Jones, but coach Kevin Stefanski said Wills' comments played no role in the decision. With Jones now out for the season due to a left leg fracture, Wills is back in the starting lineup in a contract year. Wills' 65.7% run block win rate would rank fourth worst among qualifying tackles.” - Daniel Oyefusi 

NFL.com - 26th  

“Cleveland had 443 yards of offense and zero turnovers against New Orleans ... but totaled just 14 points. Two missed field-goal tries and two turnovers on downs explain that to a degree, but the defense was bad enough that it didn’t even matter. The Browns allowed 473 yards and 35 points to the Saints and also had a bad all-around game on special teams, too. If there was a bright spot with an eye on the future, it was that some of the playmakers stepped up with big outings. Jerry Jeudy had his best game as a Brown, with 142 receiving yards, including an 89-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown. David Njoku, Elijah Moore and Cedric Tillman also pitched in with good moments. All of them have shown signs of life since Cleveland traded away Amari Cooper, and the move to QB Jameis Winston hasn’t hurt, either. There aren’t many silver linings in three-TD losses, but the receivers were definitely one positive.” - Eric Edholm 

The Sporting News – 30th  

“The Browns are doing their best to do enough offensively with Jameis Winston, but they should be shocked by how much their defense has fallen apart from one season to the next.” - Vinnie Iyer 

Pro Football Talk – 26th  

“If it looks like a tank, walks like a tank, tanks like a tank. . . .” - Mike Florio