Browns 32nd?! 3 reasons ESPN&#39;s 2026 power rankings are way off for Cleveland

Browns 32nd?! 3 reasons ESPN's 2026 power rankings are way off for Cleveland originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Super Bowl confetti has barely settled, but ESPN is already out for blood. In their "Way-Too-Early" 2026 Power Rankings, the Cleveland Browns were unceremoniously dumped into the No. 32 spot. Dead last. Behind the dumpster-fire Raiders, Cardinals, and Jets.

ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi summarized the Browns' offseason in three words: "All-in on offense." He notes that Cleveland's scoring has cratered over the last two seasons, leading to a roster that needs "personnel upgrades across the unit." But while the national media is busy writing the Browns' obituary, they’re ignoring the positive shifts happening in Berea.

More: Browns draft shock: The Athletic’s 3-round mock includes a wild QB move

Here are three reasons why a No. 32 ranking is total nonsense:

1. The Todd Monken Factor

Cleveland hired an accomplished and veteran offensive mind, who will hold his players accountable. Discipline and accountability is something that Pro Bowl CB Denzel Ward commented was lacking last season. Not any more. Monken has a history of catapulting his offenses in year-1 at both the NFL and college levels. An upgrade to just an average scoring unit combined with the Browns defense should remove them from a last placed ranking.

2. We’re Not the Jets

While teams like the Jets and Cardinals are stuck in a cycle of "re-evaluating brain trusts," the Browns have a clear directive. GM Andrew Berry has already committed to a "significant investment" in the offense this offseason. With plenty of draft capital and a top-tier defensive core anchored by Myles Garrett, Cleveland has a floor that is much higher than the absolute basement of the NFL.

3. The Reinforcements are Coming

Oyefusi points out that Cleveland needs to "replace as many as four starters on the offensive line" and find a playmaker at receiver. In most cities, that’s a crisis. In Cleveland, with Berry’s aggressive track record in free agency, trades, and the draft, it’s an opportunity. You don't rank a team 32nd when they have the resources to fix their only major flaws in a single spring.

It’ll be a challenge for the Browns in 2026, and don’t go making Super Bowl parade plans. However, the path to improving on their five win campaign is clear…it’s now up to Berry to deliver.

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