2022 NFL Power Rankings: Cleveland Browns

Throughout the 2022 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Cleveland Browns rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 17.6 (17th)
Best ranking: 14 (NFL.com)
Worst ranking: 21 (The Athletic)

Below you will find a post-Super Bowl 56 roundup for the Browns in our consensus 2022 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 16

Offseason in three or fewer words: Decide on quarterback

These playoffs showed that elite quarterbacking is needed to have any hope of coming out of the AFC, now featuring Burrow, Mahomes and Allen, among others. After quarterbacking the Browns to the playoffs in 2020, Baker Mayfield struggled through an injury-plagued season, while finishing 27th in the league in QBR. With a loaded roster on both sides of the ball, Cleveland's championship window is now. Meaning the Browns have to decide this offseason if they believe a healthy Mayfield can bounce back. Or, if the time has arrived to make an aggressive move to acquire another passer. -- Jake Trotter

NFL.com -- Rank: 14

Now what? The Browns have a strong roster on both sides of the ball but legitimate questions at the game's most important position. Does Baker Mayfield get another shot as starter after an injury-plagued and inefficient 2021 campaign? Or is it time to cut bait and trade the former No. 1 overall pick as he enters the fifth-year option of his rookie deal? Odell Beckham's success in Los Angeles only added more fuel to the fire for those in the Trade Baker contingent -- do the Browns have an outside target they believe could upgrade the position and return Cleveland to the playoffs? This stands as one of the most fascinating subplots of the offseason.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 20

The Baker Mayfield contract talks will dominate the offseason talk. Do they give him a long-term deal or not?

USA Today -- Rank: 17

Hard not to pinpoint their struggles on a poor passing attack and injured QB Baker Mayfield. But the former No. 1 pick's up-and-down career is due for an upswing year in 2022, which will be the one that makes or breaks his tenure in Cleveland.

The Athletic -- Rank: 21

The Browns entered this season expecting to build off their 2020 success and make the playoffs. They not only didn't win the division, they finished behind both Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. The Browns also didn't get the clarity they needed about quarterback Baker Mayfield. Now they must decide whether to extend him or let him play out the final year of his rookie contract, or ponder adding a veteran to potentially replace him.

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