AFC North power rankings: Steelers bounce back, Browns plummet after Week 6

It's hard to believe that the NFL regular season is already over a third of the way over. At this point in the season, we're starting to see the true colors of a lot of teams across that league. That's also true in the AFC North.

Following a 3-1 week in the division, where does each team fall in this week's edition of the AFC North power ranking?

4. Cleveland Browns (1-5) LW: 4

What a disaster this season has been for the Browns. They entered the 2024 season thinking they were among the favorites in the division. Now, just six weeks in, the Browns season may be over following a 20-16 loss to the Eagles, dropping the Browns to a dismal 1-5 record.

The defense was better this week, giving up yards (372 in total) but not points as they kept their offense in the game. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah continues to be a bright spot for the defense and he picked up a sack in Sunday's game. The special teams provided a spark as well, blocking a field goal late in the second quarter and returning it for a touchdown. That was the only touchdown the Browns scored though.

The offense continues to be an absolute embarrassment for Cleveland. 244 total yards and 3 field goals is nowhere near good enough on a day where your defense gave you a chance to win. Deshaun Watson is unplayable right now and easily the worst starting quarterback in the league. Jameis Winston should be starting next week if Kevin Stefanski knew what he was doing. What a joke.

The Browns season may be over before it even really begins following a 1-5 start. It's definitely over if Watson keeps starting. Throwing Winston in there may be the only way to save their season.

Next week: vs Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)

3. Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) LW: 3

The Bengals needed a win on Sunday Night Football and got it with an ugly 17-7 win over the Giants. The offense wasn't great, outside of long touchdown runs from Joe Burrow and Chase Brown. After an offensive outburst last week, I expected more from that unit against a fine Giants defense. The big story for the Bengals was their defense finally showing up.

The much-maligned Bengals defense held the Giants to 7 points despite giving up 309 yards and 24 first downs. Germaine Pratt picked off Daniel Jones in the redzone, taking points off the board with a big play. Trey Hendrickson picked up a pair of sacks as the Bengals bend-but-don't-break defense worked. I'm not sure how well that'll work when they're not playing Daniel Jones, but it worked on Sunday.

I'm still not convinced the Bengals are a great team despite them picking up a win. The Giants are not a great team and the Bengals got outgained by them. This performance won't fly against AFC contenders and the Bengals need to find their game soon.

Next week: @ Cleveland Browns (1-5)

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) LW: 2

The Steelers crossed the 30-point threshold for the first time this season in their 32-13 road victory over the Raiders. This was their largest margin of victory this season, but I still have concerns about the team overall.

The offense scored three touchdowns, largely behind a big day on the ground. Najee Harris had his first 100-yard rushing game of the season and Justin Fields added 2 rushing touchdowns as well. The passing game was lackluster as Fields left a lot of throws on the table and missed a lot of open receivers.

With Russell Wilson back healthy, Fields will need to clean up those misses or he could lose the starting spot. Overall, it's hard to complain about scoring 32 points, but this could've been better from the offense.

The defense looked pitiful on the opening drive as the Raiders drove 70 yards with ease to score the first touchdown. After that, the defense locked in and looked like the elite unit from the first few weeks of the season. T.J. Watt was a game wrecker, forcing 2 fumbles to go along with 2 TFLs. Patrick Queen looked great and Donte Jackson nabbed another pick. A great game from that unit.

The Steelers played well overall, but it's hard not to blame how bad the Raiders are for how much the Steelers won. I need to see a consistent passing attack before I declare the Steelers contenders in the AFC.

1. Baltimore Ravens (4-2) LW: 1

The Ravens extended their winning streak to four games following a 30-23 victory over the Commanders. Washington entered this game playing extremely well and they were cooled off by a potent Ravens offense.

Lamar Jackson threw for over 300 yards, with 132 of those going to Zay Flowers. It's encouraging for the Ravens to see Flowers have a monster game and to see Mark Andrews get in the endzone. Derrick Henry did his thing on the ground, rushing for over 100 yards and 2 touchdowns. That offense has really found its stride and that's dangerous for the rest of the division.

The defense held Washington to 52 rushing yards in a stifling effort. The passing defense was still spotty, but they were bailed out by an excellent game from the offense. The Ravens are really finding their form and becoming the team we all thought they would be. That makes them a contender in the AFC and keeps them at number one in this week's power rankings.

Next week: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)