Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: Post-preseason 32-team breakdown before Week 1

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts watches from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts watches from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 23: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on August 23, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 23: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on August 23, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

8. team. 53. . . Previous: . Cleveland Browns

On paper, the Cleveland Browns might be a shade ahead of the Steelers, thereby favorites to win the tough and physical AFC North.

But while the offseason hype and buildup surrounding Cleveland has been fun to watch, none of it will matter until this perennial laughingstock actually puts it all together and starts winning games.

That’s no reason to lack excitement, though. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is one of the most exciting figures to watch, currently, and he’s the kind of signal-caller capable of putting an entire team on his shoulder, adopting his persona in the process.

Sure, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. had an odd interview during the offseason, calling out his former Giants squad. Yet if he returns healthy and stays productive on the field, no one will care.

That Browns defense is looking awfully good, too, and one can see why this team appears to be one of the more well-rounded units heading into 2019.

Who would have thought about saying that a year or two ago?