In theory, the Baltimore Ravens are one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers in a Declan Doyle-led offense should be impossible to stop, and Jesse Minter should be able to form an elite defense with the talent he has on his roster. Eight weeks into the season, it's still just a theory.
The Ravens suffered a blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, and with Jackson now set to miss another significant stretch, the reality is starting to set in that a comeback in the AFC North title race may not be coming.
To make matters worse, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals pulled off important wins, pushing the Ravens even farther away from the top of the division. After a brutal Week 8, here's how the AFC North stacks up.
AFC North power rankings after Week 8
Week 8 results:
- Ravens lose to Bills 36-10
- Bengals beat Titans 43-36 (OT)
- Steelers beat Browns 27-6
1. Pittsburgh Steelers make a statement AFC North can't ignore
Until further notice, the Steelers are the team to beat in the AFC North. Their battle with the Cleveland Browns was supposed to be a midseason division title match. Instead, they controlled the game from start to finish.
Aaron Rodgers is playing his best football since leaving Green Bay, and Patrick Graham has revived Pittsburgh's defense. The Steelers get another test in the division after their bye week against the Bengals, but they should be clear favorites.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 15th @ Bengals
2. Cincinnati Bengals barely escape Titans
The Bengals were a few plays away from suffering a devastating loss to the Tennessee Titans. Joe Burrow nearly let the game get away from him with early turnovers, but Cincinnati's offensive firepower was too much for Tennessee to contain in the end.
As potent as the Bengals' offense can be, and as improved as the defense has been, they still haven't been able to put it all together often enough. Inconsistency is keeping this team from challenging the Steelers for the division title.
Still, we can't count a team with Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins out. If they play like they did in the second half against the Ravens last week, they can beat anybody.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 8th vs. Falcons
3. Cleveland Browns finally fall flat
Those who refused to take the Browns seriously through their hot start must be feeling vindicated after Week 8.
Cleveland couldn't get anything going against Pittsburgh. The Steelers controlled the game from the trenches, getting constant pressure on Deshaun Watson and allowing nothing on the ground. The Browns lost in every facet of the game.
Todd Monken's squad may still be 5-3, but its point differential is more in line with the teams at the bottom of the conference. The Browns will have to prove themselves against some more competent opponents before being taken seriously as a threat in the AFC.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 8th @ Saints
4. Baltimore Ravens can't escape Lamar Jackson frustration
Hair loss rates in the Baltimore area must be through the roof this season. With Jackson's injury issues, Minter's failure to form a capable defense, and the team's insistence on giving games away in the second half, Ravens fans have more reasons for frustration than almost any other fanbase in football.
Now that Jackson is set to miss multiple weeks again with a thumb injury, Baltimore might have to face an early end to its playoff hopes.
There isn't a backup quarterback currently on the roster who warrants much confidence over the next month. With a primetime matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars coming up, things might only get worse.
Next game: Thursday, Nov. 5th vs. Jaguars
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