AFC North Roundup for Week 5

Oct 6, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) kicks the game winning field goal in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. The Raven won 26-23. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

The AFC North swept the weekend as the three teams that were in action all won with Pittsburgh on their bye.

The Cleveland Browns won a difficult and ultimately costly battle with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday moving them to 3-2.  They lost Brian Hoyer to a torn ACL for the season, Desmond Bryant went to the hospital with shortness of breath, and Chris Ogbannaya suffered a concussion, but the Browns were able to rally around Brandon Weeden and with huge contributions from Travis Benjamin and pull out a victory over the Bills.  The Browns had Sunday off and have this week to prepare for the Detroit Lions this coming week.

The Baltimore Ravens were able to get out to a decent lead against the Miami Dolphins before letting them back into the game and then ultimately finishing them off in the fourth quarter.  In the process, they sacked Ryan Tannehill 6 times as their defense with so many new pieces and parts seems to get better by the week.  Joe Flacco may not be playing great and the offense is shorthanded, but the defense is making it so they do not need to do a ton in order to win.  The 3-2 Ravens, who are technically at the top of the division with tie breakers, are set to host the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers.

The Cincinnati Bengals struggled against the New England Patriots when it came to scoring points, but their defense was absolutely stifling.  Tom Brady could never get comfortable and the Bengals defense combined with a timely monsoon ended Brady’s streak of games with a touchdown pass at 52.  The Bengals were able to hold the Patriots to 6 points in the win to get themselves to 3-2.  They get to play against a Bills team that will be without quarterback E.J. Manuel and still have not indicated who will start this week.

The Pittsburgh Steelers had an early bye in week 5 but they could definitely use it.  Between injuries, ineffectiveness and trying to get Levi Brown acclimated to the team, they need all the time they can get before they have to play the Jets this week and try to get their first win of the season.