It is Week 12, and the Cleveland Browns have been stuck in purgatory of the same song-and-dance each week: they have a great defense that keeps them just enough in games, as they just almost pray that the offense
can do something, anything, to pitch in on the positive side. It didn’t happen. Despite that, Cleveland’s rank this week went up by 0.4 spots, up to an even 29.0 ranking. People are excited to see what Shedeur Sanders may have to offer this Sunday against the Raiders, but at the same time, I think everyone’s expectations remain very low.
Here is a summary of how the Cleveland Browns are viewed across mainstream media outlets in NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season.
CBS Sports – No. 31 (no change)
It’s a shame this team isn’t good because Myles Garrett puts on a show every week. The quarterback situation is bad.
ESPN – No. 29 (no change)
Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Kevin Stefanski
While the Browns’ defense features a top-five unit with the favorites to win Defensive Player of the Year (Myles Garrett, -175 odds at ESPN Bet) and Defensive Rookie of the Year (Carson Schwesinger, -250), Cleveland’s offense has lagged far behind and cycled through three quarterbacks. The offense, which is supposed to be Stefanski’s specialty, has eclipsed 20 points only once this season. Before the season, owner Jimmy Haslam preached patience with both Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry. Cleveland’s rookie class has been one of the most productive in the league, but winning results haven’t followed as the Browns have lost four one-score games.
NFL.com – No. 29 (up 1 spot)
Shedeur Sanders made his NFL debut — and his play sparked an interesting Rorschach test on social media. Replacing the injured Dillon Gabriel, Sanders hit his first two passes, and he nearly led a game-tying (or go-ahead) drive late in the game, but he also helped the Browns surrender the lead. Sanders threw a bad pick under pressure, took some sacks and was guilty of an intentional grounding call, leading zero scoring drives in six opportunities. It’s hard for a rookie backup to come in cold off the bench at halftime, but Sanders will need to be better prepared if Gabriel — who is in the concussion protocol — misses more time. Cleveland’s defense did a good job most of the day, and Myles Garrett has matched or surpassed four entire franchises in sacks so far this season, but Sunday’s contest ended in the same manner as most games do for these Browns: with a loss.
Sporting News – No. 31 (no change)
The Browns keep playing dominant defense at home with Myles Garrett ripping through opponents, but in means very little with bad QB situation.
Yahoo Sports – No. 28 (up 1 spot)
Myles Garrett’s day was overshadowed by Shedeur Sanders’ debut, but his greatness should be recognized. He had four sacks, giving him 10 over the past three games. With 15 sacks through 10 games, he has a shot at the single-season record of 22.5.
Bleacher Report – No. 31 (no change)
In Week 11, Shedeur Sanders took over for Dillon Gabriel, who went into concussion protocol. He only completed four of his 16 pass attempts for 47 yards and an interception. Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters that Gabriel will reclaim his starting job when healthy.
Clearly, Sanders, who started the season as the Browns’ third-string signal-caller, needs more reps to develop a rapport with his supporting cast. For now, though, Cleveland is floundering at the bottom of the power rankings with a rookie quarterback, whether it’s Gabriel or Sanders under center for Week 12.
USA Today – No. 24 (up 1 spot)
Let’s hope rookie Shedeur Sanders was taking copious notes Monday night as Dak Prescott dissected the Raiders, Cleveland’s next opponent.
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 |
28
|
31
|
12
|
17
|
| ESPN |
23
|
29
|
15
|
16
|
| NFL.com |
25
|
29
|
13
|
11
|
| Sporting News |
25
|
31
|
12
|
17
|
| Yahoo Sports |
23
|
28
|
11
|
17
|
| Bleacher Report |
26
|
31
|
11
|
16
|
| USA Today |
23
|
24
|
11
|
18
|
| Average |
24.7
(down 0.6) |
29.0
(up 0.4) |
12.1
(up 1.9) |
16.0
(down 0.1) |
What do you think of the Browns’ ranking this week?
