Not all wins are created equal. That was abundantly clear in the AFC North over the weekend, as three of four teams started the 2026 season at 1-0. While they may not be the sole leaders in the division standings, the Baltimore Ravens looked levels better than their rivals.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals both escaped their opening matchups with one-score victories, while the Cleveland Browns put forth one of the league's worst performances.
After one week of regular-season action, here's how the AFC North stacks up.
AFC North power rankings entering Week 2
Week 1 results:
- Bengals beat Buccaneers 33-27
- Ravens beat Colts 41-23
- Steelers beat Falcons 20-13
- Browns lose to Jaguars 34-10
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens didn't leave many questions unanswered in their win over the Indianapolis Colts. Derrick Henry and the offense were dominant from start to finish, and Jesse Minter's defense held one of 2025's top offenses (at least early in the season) to minimal production.
After missing out on the playoffs for the first time in years, the Ravens seem to be well on their way toward reclaiming the top spot in the division.
If they can put together another dominant outing against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2, they'll solidify themselves as the biggest threat in the AFC North.
Next game: Sunday, Sept. 20 vs. Saints
2. Cincinnati Bengals
The No. 2 and No. 3 spots here were a toss-up. Both the Bengals and the Steelers walked away from Week 1 with narrow victories against teams they should have beaten more comfortably.
Cincinnati's revamped defense forced four turnovers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the game still came down to a late stop. Ja'Marr Chase hardly got involved, though Tee Higgins was able to pick up the slack. The Bengals' offense is always going to be dangerous. Their season will be determined by whether the defense can hold up against top opponents.
They'll get a tougher test in Week 2 against the Houston Texans.
Next game: Sunday, Sept. 20 @ Texans
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
A one-score win over the Cooper Rush-led Atlanta Falcons isn't exactly a reason to celebrate. Aaron Rodgers played well in the first game of his final season, but the Steelers were unable to put the game away early.
With a limited offense and an aging defense, Pittsburgh only warrants so much belief. They'll be competent again this season, but their ceiling is still in doubt.
If they can beat the New England Patriots in Week 2, though, they'll force their way up these rankings.
Next game: Sunday, Sept. 20 @ Patriots
4. Cleveland Browns
If we needed any proof that the Browns' decision to start Deshaun Watson at quarterback was a mistake, we got it in Week 1. His offense only managed to put up 10 points against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who coasted through the second half after jumping out to a 31-0 lead.
Head coach Todd Monken has already made it clear that he plans to start Watson again in Cleveland's Week 2 matchup with the Buccaneers.
It might already be time for Browns fans to start looking into the 2027 NFL Draft class.
Next game: Sunday, Sept. 20 @ Buccaneers
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