AFC North Power Rankings: Week 16
The AFC North power rankings are still very tight, but we have a little more clarity as to how the finish will be. Even though the Bengals still hold first, I would be very surprised if they earn the division title. Right now it looks like a two horse, between the Ravens and Steelers, unless the Bengals can pull of upsets against the Broncos and Steelers. The Browns are little more than an afterthought after being in the lead earlier this year.
team. 53. Did Johnny Manziel look bad, or did Johnny Manziel look bad? On top of Manziel not being able to hit any of his receivers and throwing a few prayers up for interceptions, the running game got absolutely nothing going. The Bengals defense, that hasn’t looked good at times this year, dominated the Browns offense in every fashion. The Bengals offense, which also hasn’t looked good at times, gave the Browns’ defense the same fate as it’s offense. At one point the Browns were at the top of the division and considered a playoff contender, but now it would be a surprise to many to even see them reach .500.. 7-7. Previous: 4th. Cleveland Browns. 4
56. The Bengals continue to get impressive wins over a lot of the teams they face. The problem is that the only definitive wins they’ve had this season have been over the Falcons, Titans, Jaguars, Saints, Texans, and Browns. I don’t know about you but I wouldn’t consider that the most impressive set of teams. They have gotten some close wins as well over the Ravens twice and the Buccaneers, but they should have beaten the Bucs by more than one point. On top of that less than stellar resume they have suffered blowout losses to the Patriots, Colts, Browns, and Steelers. If they want to show that they deserve any higher than third in these rankings they need to play good football in these last two games and win in impressive fashion.. 9-4-1. Previous: 3rd. Cincinnati Bengals. 3. team
26. The Ravens won and I give them full credit for that. Just like the Steelers did early in the season, however, they played it way too close with the Jaguars. It’s not just this week that’s giving me pause about them. Two weeks ago they gave up a big lead in the fourth quarter to the Chargers and had to settle for a loss. Last week they got a very impressive win in Miami against an underrated Dolphins team, but good play has been in the minority the past 3 weeks. They still have a wonderful chance to make it to playoffs and even win the division, but they won’t go very far in the playoffs if they play like they have been recently.. 9-5. Previous: 1st. Baltimore Ravens. 2. team
55. I was bashing the Steelers in every which way earlier in the season when they were playing unmotivated, undisciplined, and awful in many phases of the game. Most of that criticism was directed at Coach Mike Tomlin and his coordinators, Todd Haley and Dick LeBeau. I give credit where credit is due, though. What a job they have done since the beginning of December they have done to get this team playing inspired and all around better football. They are giving up and average of 17 points over the past two weeks if you factor out the abominable roughing the passer call on Jason Worilds, even with the call they are giving up only 20.5 points per game. That may not seem great, but with how good of an offense is around in Pittsburgh these days, that should be plenty to give the team a chance to win. Unless they revert to their old ways they would be my odds on favorite to win the division and maybe even go a few rounds deep into the playoffs.. 9-5. Previous: 2nd. Pittsburgh Steelers. 1. team