AFC North Power Rankings: Week 6

Well last week was awful wasn’t it?  Luckily the Steelers are historically very good on Monday night, especially at home.  The rest of the AFC North did pretty good last week, though.

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4. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3)

Last Week: 3

At this time last year I would have given up a lot to have this record, even if it would have only meant one more win.  This year, though, it isn’t good enough.  After the win against the Jaguars I thought the defense was making improvements and the whole team was on the way to becoming the team we thought they could be.  The offensive play calling is still what is holding this team back and unless Todd Haley gets as far away from the Burgh as possible, I don’t think the offense is going to get any better.  I will not be the least bit surprised or disappointed if Tomlin, Haley, LeBeau, and/or Colbert are being replaced this offseason.

3. Cleveland Browns (3-2)

Last Week: 4

The Browns looked like they were worthy of a Super Bowl championship after they shellacked the Steelers in every way on Sunday.  I don’t think they are by any means as good as they looked on Sunday, but they certainly aren’t a bad team by any means.  I don’t think they make the playoffs this year but they are headed in the right direction and have lots of young talent on their roster.  The same thing can’t be said for the Steelers.  Especially on defense, the Browns are going to be very good very soon.

2. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)

Last Week: 2

The Ravens may have won last week while the Bengals lost, but that doesn’t mean they’ll jump into first place here.  They are still riding shotgun in the division to the Bengals until further notice.  Joe Flacco had an uncharacteristically good game this week.  I was against the Bucs, though, so don’t put too much stock into it.  They also ran the ball very well and the defense looked very stingy.  If they keep playing like they are now they  will be welcomed back to the playoffs.  They are pretty streaky so that may change.

1. Cincinnati Bengals (3-1-1)

Last Week: 1

This is two straight weeks that the Bengals haven’t won a game but I still have confidence in them as the best team in the AFC.  It’s amazing how quick opinions can change.  Before the season I thought the Bengals were vastly overrated and if they lose another game next week then I will quickly begin to revert back to that opinion.  Their defense has been above all the reason that their play has suffered.  They only gave up 33 points combined in their first three games.  But have given up 80 combined in their last two.  That trend needs to change fast if they want to stay atop these rankings.