AFC North power rankings Week 4: Steelers refuse to lose, Ravens finally win
By Matt Sidney
What a bounce-back for the AFC North this week, huh? Following an anemic Week 2, the AFC North continued to confuse, capturing two wins and two losses. The losses by the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals were inexcusable and now both teams are severely at risk of missing the playoffs.
The Baltimore Ravens made a statement beating the Dallas Cowboys 28-25. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers remain undefeated after beating the Los Angeles Chargers 20-10.
The season is still early days, but the division will need to flex its muscles soon if it wants to replicate last season's success. This was a big week for the division. Following another action-packed week, this is where each team stands in Week 3's AFC North power rankings.
(Note: Number in parentheses indicates last week's ranking)
AFC North power rankings Week 3
4. Cleveland Browns (4)
The Browns would love to put this week behind them and leave the loss and everything associated with it in their rearview. Full transparency here, the Browns just look bad. And they are bad. This week saw Cleveland lose to a winless New York Giants team at home 21-15. The Browns sit at 1-2 and are on the brink of collapse. They remain the bottom-feeding team in the division.
3. Cincinnati Bengals (3)
The Cincinnati Bengals came into their Monday Night Football matchup against a 1-1 Washington Commanders team led by rookie quarterback Jaylen Daniels. And boy, did they lay a good 'ole fashioned flop-o-roonie. The Bengals lost at home 38 to 33. It never felt like they were in this game, and if it weren't for the Giants being a worse team than the Commanders, the Bengals would easily find their way into the basement. Cincinnati is WINLESS so far this season.
2. Baltimore Ravens (2)
The Baltimore Ravens finally won a game this season. It took longer than expected, but there was so much good in their game against the Cowboys that it's easy to see why people were high on this team coming into the year. Baltimore got back to business on the ground and ran all over Dallas, accumulating 274 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Lamar Jackson played well. The near fourth-quarter collapse is worrying, but for 80% of the game, they dominated the Cowboys.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (1)
Until the Steelers start losing, they'll occupy the top spot. And while they might not win in the most imposing of ways, they still win. All they do is win. Pittsburgh secured a 20-10 home win against a 2-0 Chargers team with playoff aspirations. Quarterback Justin Fields has been playing well enough to get the Steelers wins and for that reason, they're number one.
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