AFC North Power Rankings: Week 4

This week sure didn’t work out exactly like I thought it would for some of the teams in the division.  I though the Browns would beat the Ravens and the Steelers wouldn’t win nearly as handily against the Panthers.  This week should have a pretty big effect on the power rankings.  If you keep reading you’ll see what I mean.

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4. Cleveland Browns (1-2)

Last Week: 3

After a one week reprieve, the Cleveland Browns are once again back in the basement of the AFC North.  They are certainly a lot better than some of the other teams in the basement’s of their respective division, I still doubt they don’t end the season in this spot by the end of the year.  The Brown’s defense isn’t as good as I thought it would be at the beginning of the season, but through three weeks the offense has been a lot better than I thought it would be.  As I said, I doubt they finish out of the basement, but they have the ability to do so.

Next Game: Bye

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)

Last Week: 4

Although they absolutely thumped the Panthers in primetime on Sunday night, the Steelers only move up one spot in the power rankings.  That’s because the Ravens also won against a team who is almost as good and they were already ranked ahead in the power rankings.  That being said, this ranking was a toss up.  With all of the injuries that the defense sustained on Sunday, the Steelers position in the power rankings could be very fluid in the coming weeks.  Hopefully they move up more than they do down.

Sep 21, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) hurdles Cleveland Browns free safety Tashaun Gipson (39) during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens won 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Next Game: vs Buccaneers

2.  Baltimore Ravens (2-1)

Last Week: 2

The Ravens clearly have the talent on defense to be a very good football team.  The offense isn’t quite as good, but it should be good enough for them to have success with their very good defense.  I have a gut feeling that they will be very inconsistent this year, and they already have been to some extent.  If they want to finish the season high up in the rankings, they will need Joe Flacco to be as mistake free as he possibly can.  If he can limit his turnovers then they should have a decent chance to make the playoffs.

Next Game: vs Carolina

1. Cincinnati Bengals (3-0)

Last Week: 1

This is a no brainer.  The Bengals have been without a doubt the best team in the AFC North this season.  They have arguably been the best team in the AFC, or even the NFL, this season.  This is not what I thought the season would look like so far for the Bengals.  Andy Dalton has been very good, Gio Bernard has been even better, and the offensive line hasn’t allowed a single sack!  If they keep this up it won’t even be close as to who wins the AFC North.  They are well on their way to winning their first playoff game with Dalton under center.

Next Game: Bye