Browns Not Considered One Of AFC's Top Teams According To NFL Network Analyst

The Browns still have a lot to prove in terms of becoming a respected championship contender in the NFL.

Over the weekend NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger dropped his current list of top five teams in the AFC and the Browns were noticeably absent from his ranking. Two of Cleveland's biggest rivals though, Baltimore and Pittsburgh did make the cut, with the Chiefs, Jets and Texans rounding out the list.

Baldinger's list comes on the heels of Houston having a very active offseason to this point, which included a blockbuster trade with Buffalo last week for star wideout Stefon Diggs. On the opposite end of that deal, the Bills seem poised for a bit of regression after an offseason that saw them lost many of their veteran players like Diggs. That explains the presence of the Jets on Baldinger's ranking as plenty of pundits believe they're poised for a bounce back season with Aaron Rodgers returning from an Achilles injury.

As for the two AFC North representatives, the Steelers have had a busy offseason with the remodeling of their QB room in particular. Baltimore on the other hand, has seen a number of key pieces from a 2023 season that culminated in a trip to the AFC title game depart via free agency. They did, however, make one major addition by signing running back Derrick Henry.

Despite Baldinger's ranking, the Browns have actually had a productive offseason thus far, looking to not only replicate their trip to the playoffs from last season, but make it a longer stay in the postseason tournament. On top of retaining a handful of key players from last year's dominant defense, they've also added some new faces like wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and linebacker Jordan Hicks, who they expect to be key contributors next season.

Ultimately, any expectations the Browns have next season hinge largely on quarterback Deshaun Watson bouncing back from shoulder surgery.

Also absent from Baldinger's list are the Cincinnati Bengals, who expect to have Joe Burrow back healthy next season. It's safe to say the AFC North is going to be a gauntlet once again.