Can we stop treating the Cleveland Browns' hot start to the season like it's a fluke? Todd Monken's team keeps winning close games and is sitting pretty at the top of the AFC North. It hasn't been perfect, but Cleveland has consistently exceeded expectations.
Of course, the rest of the division isn't giving the Browns much breathing room. While the Baltimore Ravens stumbled, the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers both picked up important wins in Week 7.
Here's how things stand in the neck-and-neck race for the AFC North title after seven weeks of regular-season football.
AFC North power rankings after Week 7
Week 7 results:
- Steelers beat Saints 16-10
- Browns beat Titans 27-24
- Bengals beat Ravens 35-13
1. Cleveland Browns
What's the fun in winning by a wide margin? Each of the Browns' five wins this year has come by one score, and they pulled off another tight victory against the Tennessee Titans. KC Concepcion's breakout showing just barely gave Cleveland the edge it needed.
With a winnable game against the Steelers coming up in Week 8, it's starting to look like the Browns could actually pull this off. Even if they fall behind in the coming weeks, this has been an electric start to the Todd Monken era.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 1 at Steelers
2. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals reminded the rest of the league what an offense led by Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins can do in Week 7. After a quiet first half against the Ravens, they exploded for a 35-point finish. Burrow looks as dialed in as any quarterback in the league.
Cincinnati's defense isn't elite by any means, but it has certainly improved from last season. This is a playoff-caliber team, but that doesn't mean that there will be a spot for them in the postseason.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 1 vs. Titans
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
If you woke up early to watch the Steelers take on the New Orleans Saints in Paris, you're probably wishing you had hit the snooze button. No part of Pittsburgh's tight win was pretty, but like the Browns have time and time again this season, the Steelers found a way to stay ahead.
Aaron Rodgers has been impressive in recent weeks, but he may not be able to hold up against Cleveland's defense in Week 8.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 1 vs. Browns
4. Baltimore Ravens
There's every chance that the Ravens' offense jumps right back into elite territory when Lamar Jackson gets back on the field, but it was toothless with Tyler Huntley under center. Without the threat of a passing attack, Derrick Henry has been largely ineffective.
The Ravens should still be fine when they're healthy, but they're running out of time as the rest of the division stacks up wins.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 1 at Bills
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