NFL Power Rankings: Where Do the Browns Rank After 3 Straight Wins?

· Yahoo Sports

The Cleveland Browns have quietly emerged as one of the NFL’s most surprising teams after winning three consecutive games. Their recent surge has forced a reassessment of where they belong among the league’s contenders after a difficult start to the season.

Cleveland’s turnaround reached another milestone in Week 4 when it defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-10 on a late field goal. The victory improved the Browns to 3-1 and gave them three straight wins after dropping their season opener, putting them firmly in the conversation as one of the league’s biggest early surprises.

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Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) runs the ball in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.

The Browns have not relied on an explosive offense to build their winning streak. Instead, their defense has consistently kept games within reach, while the team has found enough production on offense to capitalize when opportunities arise. That formula has allowed Cleveland to win close games and avoid the mistakes that can derail teams in tight fourth-quarter situations.

The latest power rankings reflect that progress, with the Browns climbing five spots to No. 14. That jump puts Cleveland inside the top 15 and represents a significant change from where the team was viewed following its opening-week loss, although there are still questions about whether it can maintain its momentum against stronger opponents.

Cleveland Browns Rise Up in Latest NFL Power Rankings After 3 Straight Wins

Sep 22, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks for an available receiver against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Cleveland’s stock in the league has risen to the 19th spot  after winning three straight games. This is detailed more in an analysis by Daniel Oyefusi for ESPN.

Week 4 result: Beat the Steelers 27-24
Week 4 ranking: 24

Four words to describe the first four weeks: A rebound beyond belief.

The first game of the Todd Monken era got off to an ominous start, with a 24-point road loss to the Jaguars. But instead of crumbling, the Browns responded with three consecutive victories, including a primetime win at home over the Steelers to put them atop the AFC North. Cleveland is back to playing its aggressive, man-to-man style of defense, and QB Deshaun Watson is playing his best football in a Browns uniform. He has led three straight winning drives.

One of the biggest reasons for optimism is Cleveland’s ability to remain competitive while continuing to develop offensively. The Browns have shown that they can win without needing to dominate statistically, and that defensive foundation could prove valuable as the season becomes more difficult and opponents have more film on the team’s strengths and weaknesses.

Cleveland still has plenty to prove before it can be considered a legitimate Super Bowl contender. However, three straight wins have changed the conversation around the team, and if they continue protecting the football, winning close games and relying on their defense, their rise up the power rankings may be more than a temporary early-season surge.

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