Through three weeks of the 2026 season, the AFC North is the only division in the NFL with four two-win teams. The most surprising squad of the bunch? Todd Monken's Cleveland Browns.
The Browns pulled off their second upset victory in a row on Sunday, taking down the Carolina Panthers in dramatic fashion. In a season that was initially expected to be a lost cause, Cleveland is suddenly tied for the top spot in the division.
As we shift our focus to Week 4, here's how the AFC North shakes out.
AFC North power rankings entering Week 4
Week 3 results:
- Browns beat Panthers 21-18
- Steelers beat Bengals 30-27
- Ravens beat Cowboys 34-31
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens got back on track with a win over the Cowboys in Brazil. Baltimore is still flawed, but the amount of talent on the roster is hard to deny. There were always going to be some bumps to iron out after shifting to a new coaching staff for the first time in nearly two decades.
Still, the Ravens' offense ranks within the league's top four in both EPA per pass and EPA per rush through three weeks. Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson are both at the top of their games. Once Jesse Minter's defense hits its stride, this team will be set to compete for a spot in the conference championship.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 4 vs. Titans
2. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals stumbled against the most unlikely opponent this weekend. Aaron Rodgers dialed back the clock to lead the Steelers to a high-scoring victory, exposing some of the weaknesses in Cincinnati's defense.
When Dexter Lawrence II is on the field, the Bengals' defense looks vastly improved. But they can't build the whole ship out of one player. Cincinnati will need other defenders to step up in the coming weeks to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 4 vs. Jaguars
3. Cleveland Browns
Outside of the Ravens, who look like the best team in the division, the AFC North hierarchy is as muddled as ever. The Browns look like a serious threat after pulling off another close win. They're not playing the most appealing brand of football, but they're finding ways to get the job done.
This team still has a limited ceiling with Deshaun Watson under center, but it's not the bottom-dweller that most fans expected. If the Browns can upset the Steelers in Week 4, they'll need to be taken seriously as a playoff contender.
Next game: Thursday, Oct. 1 vs. Steelers
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Forgive us for wanting to see Rodgers do it again. He looked as good as he has in years in the Steelers' thrilling win over the Bengals, but the first two weeks of the season can't be ignored. The Steelers' offense still ranks 31st in EPA per play and 30th in success rate. It will take more than one impressive performance to reverse their horrific start.
Rodgers will need to prove it again when Pittsburgh comes to Cleveland next week. That game will be crucial in establishing the hierarchy of the AFC North.
Next game: Thursday, Oct. 1 @ Browns
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