2014 NFL Power Rankings: Week 11 ESPN.com

Week: Select Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

After 10 weeks, the Browns are in first place --- just as everyone predicted (yeah, right).

Did their statement victory over the Bengals resonate with ESPN's Power Panel (a group of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities)? That's an emphatic yes. Cleveland, winners of three straight, jumped eight spots to No. 11. In the process, it leapfrogged all three of its AFC North rivals. Baltimore moved up one spot to No. 13, while Pittsburgh (No. 14) and Cincinnati (No. 16) both fell.

Even if you're not completely sold on the Browns, their strides warrant attention. Playing in the only division that boasts four winning teams, the former laughingstocks have no doubt taken a big step in the credibility department.

And their upcoming schedule (Houston, at Atlanta, at Buffalo) sets up well for further gains in our hierarchy. Taking care of business in all three games would put Cleveland where few thought it would be -- solidly positioned for a playoff spot.

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