Dawgs By Nature
It is Week 6, as the Cleveland Browns are coming off of a disappointing loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London. Trading away Joe Flacco likely came after this week’s rankings were done, but that doesn’t really have an impact anyway (maybe on the Bengals’ ranking it would). Despite the Browns falling to 1-4, this might be a first: they had no change in the rankings this week. They averaged a ranking of 26.3 heading into the week, and are still 26.3, with some variations from site to site.
Oddly enough, most of the site didn’t seem concerned with the Browns losing a lead late, and were more optimistic about Dillon Gabriel performing well in his first career start and hoping it leads to Cleveland allowing him to open things up more in the coming weeks. That would certainly help in this week’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which represents a do-or-die moment in terms of maintaining a shred of contention hope. If Cleveland wins, they are only one game back in the win column for the AFC North lead. If they lose, they are 3.5 games back without a tiebreaker.
Here is a summary of how the Cleveland Browns are viewed across mainstream media outlets in NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season.
The moment wasn’t too big for Dillon Gabriel in his first NFL start in the loss to the Vikings. But they can’t keep the handcuffs on for long if they want to win games and find out if he’s their long-term guy.
Fantasy surprise: RB Quinshon Judkins
Uncertainty around Judkins’ status — he missed training camp because of a legal situation — landed him at RB29 in ESPN Fantasy drafts. Since making his debut in Week 2, the 36th pick in this year’s NFL draft has stepped into the lead-back role. He ranks fourth in the NFL in rushing yards (347) during that time span and is RB14 in PPR leagues.
The Browns got a good offensive spark from Dillon Gabriel to give their top defense a chance with Myles Garrett. They have something positive to take away from the loss to the Vikings in London.
The Browns got a good offensive spark from Dillon Gabriel to give their top defense a chance with Myles Garrett. They have something positive to take away from the loss to the Vikings in London.
Dillon Gabriel couldn’t lead the Browns to a win, but he played very well considering some very tough circumstances. Given the multiple rookies who are making key contributions, the Browns should feel optimistic despite a 1-4 record.
There were some glimmers of...
