The 49ers have won 5 Super Bowls (most recently 1994) and consistently compete for championships with a strong defensive culture, while the Browns have never won a Super Bowl and have made only 2 playoff appearances since 1999, reflecting a significant gap in sustained success.
San Francisco 49ers vs Cleveland Browns — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
NFL franchise based in San Francisco, California, competing in the NFC West division since 1946.
AFC North franchise established 1946, based in Cleveland, Ohio
Super Bowl Wins. Playoff Appearances (Last 25 Years). All-Time Win-Loss Record. Division Titles. Head Coach Tenure/Stability. Current QB Performance (2024 Season). Payroll Efficiency (2024)
The 49ers are objectively the superior franchise with 5 Super Bowl championships, sustained playoff success, and a winning culture built over decades. The Browns remain rebuilding with structural challenges including quarterback uncertainty and one of the worst recent records in the league. Choose the 49ers if you value championship pedigree and consistent excellence; choose the Browns only if you're a loyal fan hoping for a turnaround or believe in long-term upside under current management.
San Francisco 49ers: 13-4 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 26.3 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 18.2 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 134.2 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 259.8 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 4 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 71.4% | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 5 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 12 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 234.2 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 148.7 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 18.9 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 6 | Cleveland Browns: 0 appearances
San Francisco 49ers: 63.2% | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 6 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: $267M | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 0 | Cleveland Browns: 2
San Francisco 49ers: 3.9 | Cleveland Browns: 4.2
San Francisco 49ers: 0 | Cleveland Browns: 0
San Francisco 49ers: 14 reserve/future deals | Cleveland Browns: Standard approach
San Francisco 49ers: Excellent - Clean execution | Cleveland Browns: Fair - Turnover issues
San Francisco 49ers: 0-0 | Cleveland Browns: 4-2
San Francisco 49ers: 64.5% | Cleveland Browns: 35.5%
San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy 2,167 yards | Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Gabriel 110 yards
San Francisco 49ers: 19.0 | Cleveland Browns: 20.2
San Francisco 49ers: 75.0% | Cleveland Browns: 46.7%
San Francisco 49ers: 69.4% (Brock Purdy) | Cleveland Browns: ~55%
San Francisco 49ers: Christian McCaffrey depth role | Cleveland Browns: Quinshon Judkins 827 yards
San Francisco 49ers: 80 seasons overall | Cleveland Browns: 77 seasons overall
San Francisco 49ers: 5 championships | Cleveland Browns: 0
San Francisco 49ers: 12-5 (.706 winning %) | Cleveland Browns: 11-6 (missed playoffs)
San Francisco 49ers: 5 consecutive | Cleveland Browns: 2
San Francisco 49ers: 3 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 14 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 7 seasons (Kyle Shanahan, 2017-present) | Cleveland Browns: 5 seasons (Kevin Stefanski, 2020-present)
San Francisco 49ers: $8.1B | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 641-618 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 1995 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan .606 (54-35) | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 16 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 19 | Cleveland Browns: N/A
San Francisco 49ers: 13 | Cleveland Browns: 2
San Francisco 49ers: 4,694 (Brock Purdy) | Cleveland Browns: 3,964 (Deshaun Watson)
QB Touchdown-to-Interception Ratio (2024)
San Francisco 49ers: 3.44 (31 TDs / 9 INTs) | Cleveland Browns: 1.69 (27 TDs / 16 INTs)
San Francisco 49ers: 12-5 (4th seed, NFC) | Cleveland Browns: 3-14
San Francisco 49ers: 8 seasons (Kyle Shanahan, since 2017) | Cleveland Browns: 6 seasons (Kevin Stefanski, since 2020)
San Francisco 49ers: 19 | Cleveland Browns: 8
San Francisco 49ers: 12-5 (.706) | Cleveland Browns: 3-14 (.176)
San Francisco 49ers: 7 appearances | Cleveland Browns: 2 appearances
San Francisco 49ers: 14 Hall of Famers | Cleveland Browns: 8 Hall of Famers
San Francisco 49ers: 107.2 (Brock Purdy) | Cleveland Browns: 82.4 (Deshaun Watson)
San Francisco 49ers: 1st Place NFC West | Cleveland Browns: 4th Place AFC North
San Francisco 49ers: 1 year (2024 won) | Cleveland Browns: 26 years (1999 draft year perspective)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 27.3%
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 44.4%
Average Points Per Game vs This Opponent
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 18.1
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: Cleveland Browns
Leading Running Back Rushing Yards (2025)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 11
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 22.4
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 19:10
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 64.7%
Primary Running Back Rushing Yards (2025)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 827 (Quinshon Judkins)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 73rd season (2025)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: Multiple starters (Watson, Gabriel, Flacco)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 32nd
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 6-9
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 0
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: Lost 29-31
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: Below .500
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: ~2,000 yards
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: ~15 TDs
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 3 appearances
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: Lost 3-31
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: ~82
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 61 years (1964)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 3-14
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 16.7
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 478
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 0 wins
All-Time Head-to-Head Record (Since 1996)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 29-35
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 6
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 8
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: $230M (Watson)
Offensive Points Per Game (2023-24 Season)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 21.5
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 118.2
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 77 years (1964)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 28-32 (since 1996)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 2
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 56.3%
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: $57.5M (Deshaun Watson)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: $3.2B
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 544-689-10 (.441 win percentage)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 42-81-1 vs Steelers
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 3 (2020, 2022, 2023)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: Never won
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 11-6
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: $230M (Deshaun Watson)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: $8.2M
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 76 years (since 1950)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 2 (2020, 2022)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: .447 (515-638-11)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 6 appearances
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 7 wins (16 games)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 1946
Conference Championships (pre-Super Bowl era & modern)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 8 total
2025 Defense Ranking (Yards Allowed/Game)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 364.5 yards (22nd)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 379.8 yards (7th)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 3 appearances (2020, 2021, 2023)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 2 (Jim Brown, Otto Graham)
Head Coach Regular Season Win Percentage
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 54.0% (Stefanski)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: Never
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 78 (since 1946)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 67,431
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 13-33
Winning Percentage (last 10 seasons: 2015-2024)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 46.3%
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 5 seasons (Stefanski, 2020-2025)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 1 (Deshaun Watson - 3x Pro Bowler career)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 42.1%
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 3 years (Kevin Stefanski)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 40 wins
Division Titles (Last 25 Years: 1999-2024)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 3 titles
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 9
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 8 appearances
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: $230M (5-year Deshaun Watson)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 1
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 3
Regular Season Win Percentage (2020-2026)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 47.6%
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski: 0
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 32 years (1994)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 17.6%
Starting Quarterback MVP Awards (Career)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson: 0
Consecutive Playoff Appearances (2020-2026)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 4 of 6 seasons
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 92.1
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 354.1
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 23.4
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 4 years (2020)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 41-62 (.398 win %)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 78 years (founded 1946)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 2 (1964, 1965)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: $230M (Deshaun Watson, 2022)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 85.5
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 312.4 yards
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 348.1 yards
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 8.5-8.5
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 20.1 points
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 5 players
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 0 titles
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 573-703-10
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 3 (2020, 2021, 2023)
Postseason Win Percentage (Last 25 Years)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 40.0% (2-3)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 47.5%
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 2 years (2023)
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 3 times
San Francisco 49ers: N/A | Cleveland Browns: 9.7
How to choose between San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns
Compare San Francisco 49ers vs Cleveland Browns
San Francisco 49ers vs Cleveland Browns — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for San Francisco 49ers vs Cleveland Browns. Contains 179 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
San Francisco 49ers vs Cleveland Browns — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for San Francisco 49ers vs Cleveland Browns.
Why have the 49ers been so much more successful than the Browns historically?
The 49ers built a dynasty in the 1980s-1990s with Hall of Famers Joe Montana and Steve Young, establishing a winning culture that has persisted through strong front office management and coaching. The Browns faced the 1995 relocation (moved to Baltimore), which disrupted the franchise for years. Even after returning in 1999, the Browns struggled with inconsistent QB play and poor draft decisions. The 49ers maintained organizational consistency while the Browns cycled through 15+ starting QBs in 24 years until Deshaun Watson's arrival.
Is Deshaun Watson's contract the reason for the Browns' recent struggles?
It's a significant factor but not the only one. Watson's $255M fully guaranteed contract (largest in NFL history) consumed 15% of the salary cap in 2024, limiting roster flexibility. However, the 2024 collapse (3-14) also reflected broader issues: poor offensive line play, defensive injuries, and Watson's 16 interceptions suggesting both scheme fit and execution problems. The front office gambled on Watson despite legal/character concerns, and the on-field results have been disappointing.
Could the Browns realistically compete with the 49ers in the near future?
Unlikely in the next 2-3 years. The 49ers have a proven Super Bowl-contending roster with Brock Purdy, elite defense, and strong depth. The Browns would need: (1) significant QB improvement or a trade/release of Watson, (2) a full defensive rebuild, and (3) 2-3 years of high draft picks to retool. They're 9+ wins behind the 49ers in current talent evaluation. The 49ers' 2024 resurgence after injuries shows organizational strength the Browns simply don't possess yet.
What's the realistic timeline for a Browns turnaround?
3-5 years minimum if they rebuild properly. If Watson is benched/traded in 2025-2026, the Browns could acquire draft capital and youth movement. However, they'd need 2-3 strong drafts, a QB decision (draft or free agency), and recovery from the Watson era's salary cap damage. The 49ers took 4-5 years to build 2024's contender after injuries; the Browns face deeper structural holes.
Which team should I follow as a new NFL fan?
Choose the 49ers if you want to watch a winning, playoff-contending team with excellent coaching and a chance at Super Bowl runs. Choose the Browns if you're drawn to underdog rebuilding stories, local Cleveland pride, or you have family ties to Northeast Ohio. However, understand the 49ers offer immediate gratification (12-5 record, playoff football) while the Browns require long-term faith.
How to Choose Between San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns
Super Bowl Wins: San Francisco 49ers has 5 titles (1981, 1988, 1989, 1994, 2023 runner-up), while Cleveland Browns has 0 titles (0 Super Bowl appearances).
Consider: Playoff Appearances (Last 25 Years)
Playoff Appearances (Last 25 Years): San Francisco 49ers has 13 appearances since 2001, while Cleveland Browns has 2 appearances (2002, 2020).
All-Time Win-Loss Record: San Francisco 49ers has 548-475-16 (.536), while Cleveland Browns has 399-504-10 (.442).
Division Titles: San Francisco 49ers has 19 titles, while Cleveland Browns has 8 titles.
Head Coach Tenure/Stability: San Francisco 49ers has Kyle Shanahan since 2017 (8 seasons, 62-50 record), while Cleveland Browns has Kevin Stefanski since 2020 (6 seasons, 40-36 record).
Consider: Current QB Performance (2024 Season)
Current QB Performance (2024 Season): San Francisco 49ers has Brock Purdy: 4,694 passing yards, 31 TDs, 9 INTs, while Cleveland Browns has Deshaun Watson: 3,964 passing yards, 27 TDs, 16 INTs.
Payroll Efficiency (2024): San Francisco 49ers has 4th seed despite 12-5 record; strong roster depth, while Cleveland Browns has Spent $255M on QB; finished 3-14; lowest in AFC North.