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2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 10: Cardinals, Titans overcome the odds

By Randy Gurzi

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) celebrates after sacking Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the first quarter at SoFI Stadium Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021 in Inglewood, Calif.Titans Rams 038
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) celebrates after sacking Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the first quarter at SoFI Stadium Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021 in Inglewood, Calif.Titans Rams 038 /
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2021 NFL Power Rankings
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) intercepts a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) in the end zone in the first quarter of the NFL Week 9 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. Cleveland led 24-10 at halftime.Cleveland Browns At Cincinnati Bengals Week 9 /

Previous: 17th. Cleveland Browns. 15. team. 53. .

This one was a statement game.

The Cleveland Browns were in the news all week thanks to the issues off the field with Odell Beckham, Jr. The star wideout was in the news after his father posted an 11-minute long video of OBJ running free and not being targeted by Baker Mayfield.

Beckham was then excused by the team and eventually a release was agreed upon by the two parties. This ended a three-year experiment that never got off the ground. And as was the case when OBJ tore his ACL last season (against Cincinnati nonetheless), Mayfield again looked vastly improved.

For whatever reason, the Browns signal-caller just looks better when Beckham isn’t out there. And if we’re being honest, the entire team seemed to be playing much better this Sunday now that the off-field distraction is behind them.

Cleveland scored early and often, with Donovan Peoples-Jones catching two passes for 86 yards and a score. Nick Chubb was also on fire with 137 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. As for Mayfield, he was a modest 14-of-21 but had 218 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Now back in the mix, Cleveland plays New England and Detroit over the next two weeks before seeing their schedule become incredibly tough. This win was huge as they approach a tough stretch to end the season.

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