Where Do the Browns Fall in Our AFC Power Rankings After Week 5?

Here's how we stack the teams up in the AFC now that Week 5 has come and gone.

The narrative a month ago was that the AFC is a loaded conference and 10 wins may not be enough to make the postseason. We are now five weeks into the 2023 campaign and things haven't exactly gone the way that a lot of the experts predicted. 

This AFC Power Ranking is not just a record-based ranking, but a balance between what a team's record is, their opponents, and their recent performances. Here's how we rank the teams after five games.

1. Miami Dolphins (4-1)

The Dolphins answered the beatdown they took in Orchard Park last Sunday with a convincing 31-16 victory over the New York Giants. It was the Tyreek Hill show as he went 8 receptions for 181 yards and one touchdown. Miami looks like the top dawg in the AFC.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (4-1)

The Chiefs got out of Minneapolis with a 27-20 victory over the Vikings. They escaped disaster as Travis Kelce went down in the 2nd quarter with a non-contact injury that had everyone holding their breath. Patrick Mahomes was his normal incredible self and the Chiefs got yet another win.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2)

Trevor Lawrence and the Jags went across the pond and took care of business as they went 2-0 on their international trip. They looked the part yesterday against the Bills and took down one of the top teams in the AFC, 25-20. Five weeks in and the Jaguars are a serious team to contend with this season. 

4. Buffalo Bills (3-2)

The Bills want yesterday back. Uncharacteristic of a Sean McDermott coached team, they slept walked through 3 quarters in London in their 25-20 loss to Jacksonville. That loss will come back to haunt them later this year when tie-breakers come into play.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)

I don't know how this Steelers team is 3-2, but they are 3-2. In one of the weirdest games of the year, they outlasted the Baltimore Ravens, 17-10. Kenny Pickett and that offense continue to do just enough to keep them winning. We'll see how long this lasts!

6.  Indianapolis Colts (3-2)

Five weeks in and the Colts are in the conversation! Anthony Richardson has shown signs of being a future star - even though he left Sunday's game with an injury. That didn't matter as Gardner Minshew and the run game were enough to take down the Titans, 23-16.

7. Baltimore Ravens (3-2)

The Ravens are going to want a re-do on Sunday. They went from All-Pros two weeks ago in Cleveland to the Bad News Bears in Pittsburgh yesterday losing 17-10. Turnovers, drops, and clock mismanagement were their downfall. 

8. Cleveland Browns (2-2)

The Browns were idle this week and lucky for them, because they welcome a loaded 49ers to town in week 6.

9. Tenessee Titans (2-3)

The Titans can't seem to find any consistency this year as they fall to the Gardner Minshew Colts 23-16. They are on the outside looking in.

10. Cincinatti Bengals (2-3)

Uh-oh. The Bengals got off the mat out in the desert with a convincing 34-20 victory over the Cardinals. Joe Burrow and Ja'maar Chase looked like their old selves as they connected 15 times for 192 yards and three scores. 

11. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)

The Chargers were on a bye this week. They have squeaked out two wins, but both by a hair. Brandon Staley and the Bolts need to continue getting better or else they are going to be on the outside looking in.

12. Houston Texans (2-3)

C.J. Stroud is a future star in this league - he's already broken an NFL record with his terrific start to his career. He continues to be more than impressive - he is just flat-out good. The Texans fell to the Falcons 21-19 thanks to some late Desmond Ritter magic. This Texans team is frisky and will be good for a long time. 

13. New York Jets (2-3)

The Jets get their second win of the year over the Broncos, 31-21. That defense is elite, but they have to get something figured out at quarterback if they want to salvage all the hype around this season. 

14. Las Vegas Raiders (1-3)

The Raiders lace them up tonight on Monday Night Football against the Packers.

15. Denver Broncos (1-4)

We have to be getting close to the end of the Russell Wilson experiment. The Broncos fall 31-21 to the Jets. 

16. New England Patriots (1-4)

Things look bleak in New England after a 34-0 beatdown against the Saints. It might be time to hit the reset button. How much longer does one of the greatest coaches of all time want to do this?