Dawgs By Nature
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
The Browns’ defense is going to keep Cleveland in most games. And in some of those games the Browns...
