AFC North Power Rankings: Pittsburgh Steelers hold all the power

Nine weeks down, eight to go. After a bloodbath with the rival Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers came out on top of both the division and the power rankings!

I really feel terrible for these Cleveland Browns. Entering halftime against the Chiefs, the Browns were behind, 21-15. Only down six points doesn’t seem too bad, until Pat Mahomes had other plans. Falling to Kansas City 37-21, no one expected Cleveland to come out on top. After a few coaching changes, there seemed to be a different atmosphere at First Energy Stadium. Baker Mayfield threw for 297 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick. The real standout was Duke Johnson, catching nine passes for 78 yards and two scores. Nick Chubb also ran for 85 yards and a touchdown. Up next, they host the Atlanta Falcons, before entering the bye week. Despite the loss, these Browns have something to smile about. They proved to the rest of the league that the future looks bright in Cleveland, Ohio.

I would call this Baltimore Ravens team, the “proverbial snowman”. Looks great after the first few hours…until the sun comes out. Baltimore started the year 4-2, only to lose the next 3 games. Against the Steelers, the Ravens managed 265 total yards, and failed to feature a player with over 60 receiving yards. Joe Flacco threw for 206 yards and literally nothing else. No touchdowns, no interceptions, and got sacked twice. Alex Collins managed a score, but only rushed for 35 yards. Luckily for this spiraling team, they enter the bye week. They host the Bengals and Raiders respectively in must-win games to salvage their season.

I’m positive the Bengals enjoyed watching their division rivals go at it. They sit in second place only a half-game out of the division lead. Amidst all the relaxation of a bye week, Cincinnati’s schedule shows a greater challenge ahead. Their next 4 games include: vs. Saints, @ Ravens, vs. Browns, and vs. Broncos.  The Saints are coming off a win, ending the Los Angeles Rams undefeated season. I don’t know about Marvin Lewis and Andy Dalton, but I don’t want to be the guys to face a team riding a 7 game win streak.

The Steelers are still the top team this week! A 23-16 win over the struggling Ravens, provided the Steelers a perfect opportunity to extend their division lead. Big Ben played his part, throwing for 270 yards and 3 touchdowns, one of which he ran for. James Conner continues to dominate, gaining 163 total yards, and catching his first career touchdown pass. Pittsburgh also nearly doubled the Ravens time of possession as well.

The Steelers are riding a four game winning streak, and show every potential to make the postseason. This week however, is the game of the season, as they host Cam Newton and the Panthers on Thursday Night Football.