If you believe the bulk of the NFL media, the Cleveland Browns are already the best team in the AFC North. This includes ESPN who put out their preseason NFL power rankings and actually ranked Cleveland at No. 10 and Pittsburgh at No. 11.
It’s important to note the Browns haven’t had a winning record since they went 10-6 in 2007. And they haven’t made the playoffs since 2002. And they haven’t won a playoff game since 1994.
From a Steelers point of view, I’m fine with the Steelers at 11. After an ugly 2018 that culminated in no playoffs and more drama than daytime soap operas there’s nowhere to go but up for the Steelers this season.
But the notion Cleveland is a better team than Pittsburgh right now is a stretch. Yes, the Browns added some pieces. But anyone who has followed the NFL for a period of time understands stockpiling big names is not a formula for success.
Ultimately, it isn’t about how the Steelers start but how they finish that matters.
