The Baltimore Ravens' Week 6 loss to the Cleveland Browns stings, no doubt. Dropping a game to a division rival on a last-second field goal is always going to be gut-wrenching.
But even after two weeks without Lamar Jackson, Baltimore is tied for first in the AFC North and sits in an ideal position to return to the playoffs. A third of the way through the season, the Ravens' situation could be much worse.
That said, they can't afford to hit many more bumps along the road to reclaiming the division. With the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals both lurking, the Browns aren't the only team challenging for the top spot.
As we turn our attention to Week 7, here's how the AFC North stacks up.
AFC North power rankings after Week 6
Week 6 results:
- Browns beat Ravens 13-10
- Steelers beat Buccaneers 26-19 (OT)
1. Cleveland Browns
None of the Browns' wins have been pretty. In fact, they have one of the worst point differentials in the NFL despite their 4-2 start. But Todd Monken's team has still found ways to come out on top.
Of the Browns' next five opponents, only the Steelers (whom they've already beaten) have a winning record. Cleveland's run of close wins might not come to an end any time soon.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 25th @ Titans
2. Baltimore Ravens
Jackson's absence has held the Ravens back in recent weeks, but Jesse Minter's defense is quietly creeping toward its elite potential. Since Week 4, Baltimore's defense ranks seventh in EPA per play and fourth in success rate.
Assuming the offense returns to its early-season form when Jackson is healthy — they ranked fourth in EPA per play and second in success rate through Week 4 — the Ravens will have elite units on both sides of the ball.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 25th vs. Bengals
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
None of the Steelers' victories this season have been especially impressive, save for their Week 3 win over the Bengals, but they've still managed their way to a 4-2 record. Aaron Rodgers is finding his groove again in Mike McCarthy's offense, and Patrick Graham's defense is playing at a top-ten level.
Pittsburgh might not have the offensive firepower to truly challenge the Ravens for the division title, but it isn't giving away any easy wins.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 25th vs. Saints
4. Cincinnati Bengals
NFL teams often determine the course of their season by how they adjust over their bye week. The Bengals' ability to rediscover their offensive identity, especially on the ground, in Week 6 could decide whether they manage to return to the playoffs.
With a crucial game against the Ravens coming up in Week 7, the Bengals will need the benefit of their bye.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 25th @ Ravens
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