AFC North Power Rankings Week 5: Pittsburgh Steelers continue to grow

Once again, the AFC North produced several wins, only this time, it was week 5. Scoring 27 unanswered points will put you at the top of any power rankings, especially mine. Welcome back to the top, Andy Dalton and company.

Five down, 12 to go, as the 2018 season rolls on. Another week of shocking upsets, overtime drama, and record-breaking moments. Drew Brees now owns the all-time passing yards record, Cleveland avoids another overtime tie, and Odell Beckham Jr. is still very angry with his team. Among the chaos lies our favorite division, the AFC North. Check out this week’s power rankings!

Don’t call it a comeback, call it the Bengals best start in three year. Cincinnati beating the Miami Dolphins 27-17 was nothing short of exciting. Scoring 24 points in the fourth quarter, with two scores coming from the defense. Finishing with four total turnovers, three sacks, and holding the Dolphins to under 300 yards was quite the dominant performance for this Cincy defense.

Despite the win, concerns fall on the Bengals offense. Andy Dalton threw for 248 yards, a touchdown and a pick. Even though he went 20 for 30 (60% completion percentage), the team only converted two of their 11 third down tries. This week, the team hosts a surging Pittsburgh unit, quite the test for this alleged “dominant defense”.

The Baltimore Ravens have lost to the Cleveland Browns 12-9 in overtime. The first time since 2015, and would you care to know how they won that game? They beat the Ravens in overtime 33-30. Game winning field goals often close out a thrilling match, but this was not the case. The Ravens failed to reach the end zone, and Justin Tucker missed a field goal.

Baltimore completely mirrored the Browns on the stat sheets. [Ravens: 410 total yards, 294 passing, 116 rushing, 15 drives, 2 turnovers | Browns: 416 total yards, 304 passing, 112 rushing, 15 drives, 1 turnover] Joe Flacco was not himself, throwing for 298 yards and a pick. No receiver gained over 70 yards, and no running back rushed for more than 60. If this continues, Baltimore will have quite the off season on their hands. Up next, they travel to face a tough Tennessee Titans team who actually did something similar to the Ravens, losing to the Buffalo Bills, 13-12.

So, this is what the Pittsburgh Steelers offense is supposed to look like. A total overhaul of the Atlanta Falcons at home, 41-17 was just what the doctor ordered for this teetering team. Big Ben shows up for 250 yards, three scores, and a pick. Antonio Brown gets six catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns, while James Conner had a great day with 185 total yards and two scores.

Even the defense showed up, which no one saw coming. Finishing with six sacks, a fumble returned for a touchdown, and an interception, we saw a little of everything from this Pittsburgh team. They also blocked a punt. The Steelers need to keep the momentum heading into a crucial week 6 matchup against a powerful Bengals team.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the Cleveland Browns beat the Baltimore Ravens for the first time in three years. Not exactly a dominant performance from the dawg pound, but a win is a win, especially in Cleveland. Baker Mayfield in his first career start at home, finished with 342 yards, a touchdown, and a pick.

Rashard Higgins had three catches for 66 yards and the only touchdown of the game. Denzel Ward also ties the league lead with three interceptions. The Cleveland Browns are nothing like the Browns of old. They have offensive potential and a consistent defense that could take them to new heights in the years to come. Until then, they face a 3-2 Chargers team at home next week.