AFC North update and how it affects the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are 4-3 and yet to play an AFC North divisional game. Even in third place, they are still in a great position to win the division.

The Cleveland Browns got a much-needed win on Thursday night vs. the Denver Broncos to move to 4-3. Not only was that good news for the Browns, but the Cincinnati Bengals were also able to defeat the Baltimore Ravens in a stylish fashion which moves each team to 5-2.

Currently, the Bengals lead the division at 5-2 overall, and they are 2-0 in the division with wins over the Steelers and Ravens. Baltimore is 5-2 overall, and 0-1 in the division and holds second place, while the Browns are 4-3 overall, and yet to have played a division game in third place.

The Steelers remain in the basement at 3-3 overall and 0-1 in the division and were on a bye week for week seven.

It’s certainly great news to keep the Ravens from going t 6-1, but a new beast in the AFC North may have been unleashed, being the Bengals. Not only does Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon, and Ja’Marr Chase make up an elite offense, the defense was able to hold the Baltimore Ravens to 17 points. The Bengals are now 2-0 in the division, with their two wins both coming on the road in hostile environments.

This scenario keeps Cleveland well within striking distance for the division, but the next two weeks become huge divisional games for the Browns, where they must be on top of their game. This Sunday they will host the Pittsburgh Steelers, then the next week they travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals.

The Cleveland Browns ideally need to win both games, but must win at least one, and believe it or not, the more important one to win is vs. the Bengals. Browns fans would feel pretty good at 6-3 overall, 2-0 in the division, and getting ready to head to New England to face a rookie quarterback.