NFL power rankings: Post-Super Bowl 53 wrap-up for 32 teams

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots and teammate Tom Brady #12 celebrate at the end of the Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The New England Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

18 of 33

CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 23: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

16. team. 53. . 7-8-1 record. . Cleveland Browns

For years, we’ve seen the Cleveland Browns consistently towards the bottom of NFL power rankings. It’s refreshing to see them towards the middle of the pack, where they’ll be hitting the offseason.

The plusses? Well, they have a promising and young quarterback in Baker Mayfield. He’s a rising star and a perfect anchor piece for this franchise moving forward, both in terms of his on-field abilities and personality.

Mayfield thrived under the tutelage of now-head coach Freddie Kitchens, too, so that’s a bonus. If Kitchens can manage the duties of his new position, it’s all the better.

The Browns need to add some pieces on both sides of the ball this offseason. Cleveland’s offensive line still needs some help, and Mayfield would benefit from additional offensive weapons.

But that defense is trending in the right direction. And overall, the Browns are no longer the NFL laughingstock.

Quite refreshing.