2023 NFL Power Rankings: Cleveland Browns

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 6 roundup for the Cleveland Browns in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 12

Fantasy surprise: Defense/Special teams

The Browns are No. 1 in defensive efficiency. They're giving up just 15 points per game (No. 2 in the NFL) and they lead the league in third-down defense (22.6% opponent conversion rate). Curiously, the Browns have forced only three turnovers, with only one interception. But with coordinator Jim Schwartz's aggressive style and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Myles Garrett leading the pass rush, the turnovers should come in time. The Browns have the 8th-easiest remaining schedule, which means they could feast on the opposition the rest of the year. -- Jake Trotter

NFL.com -- Rank: 12

Everything about Week 4, from Deshaun Watson missing the game to the defense having its first real tough outing of the season, forced us to reevaluate this team on its Week 5 bye. San Francisco is coming to town Sunday, followed by road tests at Indianapolis and Seattle, and there are enough questions to wonder if this team is built to last. The lack of offensive consistency is the most pressing issue, and we just don't know if Watson and Kevin Stefanski have the magic formula. The Nick Chubb-less run game is a limiting factor right now, and there are concerns on the offensive line (Jedrick Wills' performance, a lack of depth). As good as the defense has been, it would behoove that unit to create more turnovers. This team needs all the possessions it can steal from opponents.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 16

They come off their bye with a big game against the 49ers. They should have Deshaun Watson back, unless he declines to play again.

USA Today -- Rank: 13

Semi-eventful bye week with GM Andrew Berry explaining QB Deshaun Watson's last-minute scratch in Cleveland's previous game while defending the trade of obviously capable veteran QB2 Josh Dobbs during preseason.

The Athletic -- Rank: 16

The downside (or let's say one of the downsides) of trading away almost everything for Deshaun Watson is the Browns didn't pick until the third round this year. Still, they got some value. Fifth-round quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson was competent in fill-in duty for the injured Watson in Week 4, and fourth-rounder Dawand Jones is starting at tackle.

FOX -- Rank: 13

Deshaun Watson missed practice Monday, the first practice for the Browns coming out of their bye week. It's going to be hard enough beating San Francisco with Watson. If he can't play because of his shoulder injury, forget about it.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 11

Deshaun Watson's status for this week is still unclear due to his shoulder injury. It seemed clear in Cleveland's last game that the Browns won't win much if Watson is out. Even if Watson hasn't been great, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson isn't ready. Watson's injury status is huge for Cleveland this week.

PFT -- Rank: 17

They'll need more than one week off to be ready for the 49ers.

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