AFC North Power Rankings: Week 3
Now that week 2 is officially in the books, it is time to unveil the third edition of the AFC North Power Rankings. Here is my edition has a little more clarity than it did 2 weeks ago. Here we go.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Last Week: 2
Over the course of 2 weeks the Steelers went from atop these rankings all the way to the basement. The defense has surrendered 50 points over the last 6 quarters. Other than that, the offense has only scored 9 points in the last 6 quarters. That all comes up to equal the Steelers being one of the worst teams in the NFL over that 6 quarter span. Especially against the Ravens, they looked horrifically bad in just about every aspect of the game. This doesn’t necessarily mean I think the Steelers will be in the basement of the division at the season’s end, but there isn’t any reason not to have him there right now.
Next Game: vs Panthers
3. Cleveland Browns
Last Week: 4
Before the season I didn’t think the Browns would have come close to one win yet, let alone have one and have come close to another. Most people knew, or at least suspected, that the Browns’ defense would be good this year. But their offense has been the surprising part. They put
Sep 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) looks to throw against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
up 27 points against the Steelers and 26 to outgun the Saints offense. No matter what the stats say, Brian Hoyer was not good by any means last year. This year he has been a pleasant surprise. The running backs have been carrying the load on offense as well. I don’t think the Browns will keep this play up, but I do think they will be better than expected at the beginning of the season.
Next Game: vs Ravens
2. Baltimore Ravens
Last Week: 3
The Ravens looked fairly miserable during week 1 against the Bengals. But against the Steelers in week 2, they looked capable of being the best team in the NFL. That is undoubtedly more due to the Steelers play than it is the Ravens. The offense still isn’t great this season, but the defense still looks to be very strong. Even if the team isn’t as talented as it has been in years past John Harbaugh is about as good of a coach at getting the best out of his players as there is. The Ravens probably won’t be great this season, but they won’t be awful either.
Next Game: vs Browns
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Last Week: 1
There is no question in my mind that the Bengals are the best team in the AFC North right now. They are by far the best team in the division and are really the only well rounded team in the division. Before the season I wasn’t really a fan of the Bengals. But so far they have done nothing but prove me wrong. Andy Dalton hasn’t lost them games, Gio Bernard has been sensational, the offensive line is just as good as expected, and AJ Green has been awesome (until he got hurt). The defense has been a lot better than I thought they would be too. I don’t see anyone else challenging them for the division this year.
Next Game: vs Titans