2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) reacts on the sidelines against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) reacts on the sidelines against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
29

Cleveland Browns 3-13

Last week: 4th, AFC North
Last rank: 29th


Looking Back: Will the misery ever end? The Browns flirted with history for most of the season and finally broke into the win column in the next-to-last game of 2016. The franchise stressed youth and the draft last April and the growing pains were not unexpected. But that’s little solace to a team that hasn’t posted a winning season since 2007.

Looking Forward: Last April, the Browns tied a seven-round draft record by selecting 14 players and all made the team. The club does own a pair of first-round draft choices and plenty of other picks this spring and we shall see if the franchise opts to go with even more youth in 2017. The team still needs to find a reliable quarterback and giving 2016 third-round pick Cody Kessler a chance to win the job could reap a lot of benefits if he proves to be the right answer. But the Browns have already made their first good decision of 2017: Retaining head coach Hue Jackson.

Offseason needs: Despite a one-win season, the Browns seek some long-awaited continuity. Showing patience during this latest rebuilding process is essential if the team is to escape the AFC North basement for the first time since 2010. Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (team-high 77 receptions for 1,077 yards and 4 touchdowns) is due to become an unrestricted free agent in March and comes off a breakout campaign and he is easily the team’s biggest offseason priority. But could Cleveland’s front-office package some picks and make a play for a young yet experienced quarterback such as New England’s Jimmy Garoppolo? Stay tuned.