AFC North Power Rankings: Steelers prove legitimate in Week 10 road win

With the 2024 season halfway over, certain teams are gearing up for playoff runs while others are preparing draft boards. The AFC North features teams in both of these categories. After a pair of big wins in the division.

Where does each team fall in this weeks power rankings? Let's find out.

4. Cleveland Browns (2-7) LW: 4

Browns fans got a break from watching this team since Cleveland had a bye this week. That doesn't prevent them from taking last place on this list once again. This season has been a complete disaster for the Browns and everyone involved deserves heavy blame.

It's time for the Browns to start looking ahead to the 2025 season, and to figure out what to do with Deshaun Watson. It's been a complete failure of a season in Cleveland.

Next week: @ New Orleans Saints (3-7)

3. Cincinnati Bengals (4-6) LW: 3

The Bengals and Ravens played one of the 'games of the year' last Thursday, with the Bengals coming up short 35-34. It was a terrible defensive performance (and questionable officiating) that kept the Bengals from getting back to .500 on the season. This puts them in a tough spot for the rest of this year.

The offense was a bright spot once again for the Bengals. Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase each put up vintage performances. Burrow threw for 428 yards and 4 touchdowns, putting the team on his back. Chase had a monster game, catching 11 balls for 264 yards and 3 touchdowns. With Tee Higgins out, the Bengals needed Chase to deliver and he did. That combo is deadly. Unfortunately, Cincinnati's defense also had to play.

That unit gave up 35 points, 389 yards, 20 first downs, and didn't force a turnover. Lamar Jackson diced them up in the second half and the tackling effort on the long Tylan Wallace touchdown was pathetic. This defense is wasting generational performances Burrow and Chase and needs to be addressed immediately this offseason.

Next week: @ Los Angeles Chargers (6-3)

2. Baltimore Ravens (7-3) LW: 1

The Ravens were first on this list the last time I did it, but a stumble against the Browns a few weeks ago opened the door for them to drop and the Steelers pounced. That doesn't take away from their impressive road victory over the Bengals last Thursday.

The offense continues to impress this season. Lamar Jackson threw for 290 yards and 4 touchdowns on Thursday, adding to his MVP-caliber season so far. His 24 passing touchdowns are tied for the most in the league with Baker Mayfield and Joe Burrow. Despite rushing for under 100 yards as a team, they still put up 35 points and came back. They'll face a real test in Pittsburgh next week.

The defense was bad once again though and they're a big reason why I don't believe Baltimore is a true contender. That unit gave up 470 yards and 34 points to the Bengals. The Bengals have a great offense, so this performance normally wouldn't be as scrutinized. However, Baltimore's passing defense has been atrocious all season long. We'll see if Russell Wilson can take advantage next week.

Next week: @ Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2)

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2) LW: 2

The Steelers got a signature win on Sunday when they went on the road and beat the Commanders 28-27. Washington entered that game sitting at 7-2 on the season and riding a lot of momentum. The Steelers were able to overcome special team blunders and costly turnovers to leave with a win.

It was an uneven performance for the offense as a whole. They scored 28 points, but only put up 312 total yards and turned the ball over twice. Jaylen Warren's goal-line fumble could've cost the Steelers the game and they're lucky it didn't. However, even with all the struggles, Russell Wilson still delivered in the clutch with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams with just over two minutes left in the 4th quarter -- giving the Steelers a lead they wouldn't relinquish. The throw was perfect and it was great to see Williams have a signature moment in his Steeler debut.

George Pickens had a circus touchdown reception as well and Warren and Najee Harris ran hard, despite some lackluster final stats. It's still a work in progress, but the offense showed it could win a game without relying on the defense for multiple turnovers. That'll be crucial late in this season and potentially into playoff time.

The defense was really good overall, except for the last drive of the first half and the opening drive of the second half. The Commanders had 165 yards of offense on those two drives alone. and scored 2 touchdowns. They had 77 total yards of offense on their other 10 drives and scored 13 points. This squad shut things down in the home stretch and kept the game close enough for the offense to win. T.J. Watt won't be quiet for long. Overall, it was a solid game for that unit.

Next week: vs Baltimore Ravens (7-3)