Every week, the NFL waits for the Cleveland Browns' underdog story to be replaced by the bottom-feeder it has come to know. But Todd Monken's team continues to deliver.
After taking down the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6, the Browns find themselves at the top of the AFC North standings a third of the way through the season. Their wins haven't been pretty, but they're getting the job done.
This division is quickly becoming one of the most tightly contested in the league. As we turn our attention to Week 7, here's how things stand in the AFC North.
AFC North power rankings after Week 6
Week 6 results:
- Browns beat Ravens 13-10
- Steelers beat Buccaneers 26-19 (OT)
1. Cleveland Browns
The Browns have the worst point differential in the AFC North by 25 points. In fact, their point differential is worse than that of the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams, New York Jets, and Atlanta Falcons, who are all 2-4. But Cleveland continues to find ways to win.
Led by a stifling defense and a surprisingly efficient offense, the Browns have become a capable NFL team. That's all that fans could have asked for coming into this season. Whether Cleveland can parlay this start into a playoff appearance or not, this year has been a success.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 25 at Titans
2. Baltimore Ravens
There's no need for the Ravens to panic, at least not yet. Even after a couple of games without Lamar Jackson, they're still in a favorable position to make the playoffs. A couple of bumps in the early going shouldn't affect their outlook too heavily.
But while the Ravens expected to have one serious opponent in the AFC North title race, they have three. They can't afford to drop many more games if they want home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 25 vs. Bengals
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
An overtime win against a team with an undrafted rookie at quarterback may count the same as the rest in the standings, but the Steelers weren't convincing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Still, Aaron Rodgers' continued efficiency and Germie Bernard's emergence make Pittsburgh a team worth monitoring.
Who would have thought that the Steelers would still be destined for a near-.500 finish after all of their offseason changes?
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 25 vs. Saints
4. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals didn't play a game in Week 6, and they suffered for it. After their bye week, they're now a half-game behind the rest of the division. But as close as they are to the Browns at the top, the Bengals have reason for concern after the first third of the season.
Cincinnati's attempt to implement more under-center looks in its offense has thoroughly failed, leaving the unit more stagnant than it needs to be to fuel a playoff run.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 25 at Ravens
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