AFC North standings: Ravens bolster lead as Bengals, Browns, Steelers all sit at 4-3

George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 29: Michael Pierce #58 of the Baltimore Ravens forces a fumble by Joshua Dobbs #9 of the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 29: Michael Pierce #58 of the Baltimore Ravens forces a fumble by Joshua Dobbs #9 of the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

In a week where fate took one back from the Cleveland Browns after skin-of-teeth victories the prior two weeks, the AFC North looks to be coming into focus.

The Baltimore Ravens opened up some breathing room in the AFC North division race by beating the Arizona Cardinals 31-24 on the road. At 6-2, the Ravens lead the division by two in the win column with a crucial three-game portion of their schedule coming up.

The other teams in the AFC North — the Bengals, Browns and Steelers — all sit at 4-3. According to NFL tiebreaker scenarios, the Steelers are in second due to their record against division opponents.

But what do the Browns' AFC North rivals face in the upcoming weeks?

More: Browns give up late touchdown, lose to Seahawks after P.J. Walker interception

Ravens' upcoming schedule could determine AFC North fate

In Week 9, the Ravens play the Seattle Seahawks team that beat the Browns 24-20 Sunday, then they have to deal with the Browns (Nov. 12) and Bengals (Nov. 16) in subsequent weeks. It’s a stretch that could bolster their division title chances or pierce them.

Cincinnati Bengals are bouncing back from slow start

Speaking of the Bengals. ... they’re back. Realists had to know that Joe Burrow and his team weren’t going anywhere anytime soon. They may want to thank the Browns, however, for the blueprint that allowed them to beat the San Francisco 49ers 31-17 to go to 4-3 and put themselves back into the playoff picture.

More: As the offense evolves, the Cincinnati Bengals level up as contenders

There are no gimmes on the Bengals schedule the next three games. First up: the Buffalo Bills (5-3), who have struggled at times this season. The following week (Nov. 12), they face former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans, who have been better than expected this season, and then it’s that meeting with the Ravens.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50), linebacker Alex Highsmith (56), and linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50), linebacker Alex Highsmith (56), and linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Pittsburgh Steelers fall to Jacksonville Jaguars

No one should count out the Pittsburgh Steelers, however. Never count out the Steelers, who are also 4-3. Despite having a bad day, they remain in the conversation.

Jaguars vs. Steelers: Jacksonville holds off Pittsburgh en route to best start to season since 1999

Things didn’t go so well for the Steelers on Sunday as the Jacksonville Jaguars thumped them 20-10. The bad news for the Steelers: losing starting quarterback Kenny Pickett. The good news: not losing any ground to the Browns.

This are just starting to get interesting with Week 8 in the NFL season on the horizon.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns drop in AFC North standings as Ravens boost lead

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