Cleveland Browns Climb in NFL Power Rankings After Win Over Buccaneers

A 23-19 victory in Tampa helped Cleveland rise across several major NFL power rankings entering its home opener.

Cleveland's 23-19 road victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2 produced movement in the club's favor across several NFL power rankings this week. Quarterback Deshaun Watson drew mention from multiple outlets following the win.

The Athletic placed the Browns 23rd, up from 31st, highlighting the rookie class. The outlet cited second-round wide receiver David Boston, who sits 13th in the league with 154 receiving yards after a five-catch, 95-yard performance Sunday, while first-rounder KC Concepcion leads the team with 10 receptions and rookie linemen Spencer Fano and Austin Barber are both starting.

ESPN moved Cleveland from 32nd to 29th, suggesting Watson has settled on a workable approach. It noted his 6.7 air yards per attempt would match a career low, but said the style has reduced turnover risk and let young playmakers handle the ball.

Pro Football Talk, which rose the Browns from 32nd to 23rd, kept its assessment brief, writing that Sunday's home opener could get very interesting. At CBS Sports, Pete Prisco lifted Cleveland from 31st to 28th, writing that Watson looked good in beating the Buccaneers and the defense improved as well.

USA TODAY's Nate Davis had the biggest jump, nine spots from 31st to 23rd, calling it an impressive win under difficult conditions in Tampa while questioning the decision to start Watson in the home opener.