In 2015, ESPN’s analytics department debuted the Football Power Index (FPI), which is a predictive rating composed of offensive, defensive, and special teams efficiency.
ESPN unveiled their preseason index ratings today, and for the second year in a row, the Cleveland Browns were ranked 31st in the NFL. Why didn’t the Browns’ impressive offseason additions and draft assets improve their ranking? Per ESPN, the index looks at “each team’s win total at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook, how that team performed on offense, defense and special teams last season, how many starters are returning, and who the starting and backup quarterbacks are.