N※N

Steelers Maintain Undefeated Start, Lead AFC North

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. rs-maintain-undefeated-start-lead-afc-north.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 2:51 GMT by Sporting News

AFC North at a Glance: Steelers Lead, Ravens Near Close‑up, Bengals Linger, Browns Struggle

At the start of the 2024 NFL season, the AFC North’s four teams have already begun to carve out a narrative. The SportingNews recap of the division—originally published in mid‑September—lays out the current standings, the factors that are shaping each club’s outlook, and the key matchups that will decide who ultimately claims the top spot.

Current Standings

• Pittsburgh Steelers – 3‑0
  The Steelers sit atop the division, the only team in the league to remain undefeated after Week 3. They’ve won their opening three games against the Colts, the Falcons, and the New England Patriots, showing a balanced offense and a stout defense that has limited opponents to an average of 18 points.

• Baltimore Ravens – 2‑1
  The Ravens trail the Steelers by a single win. Their loss to the Colts (Week 1) was a heartbreaker, but they bounced back with victories over the Broncos and the Colts in Weeks 2 and 3 respectively. Their defense, led by a dominant pass rush, has stifled several quarterbacks in the division.

• Cincinnati Bengals – 2‑1
  Cincinnati’s record mirrors Baltimore’s, but their win came against the Jaguars (Week 2) while they dropped to the Ravens (Week 1) and then the Steelers (Week 3). The Bengals’ offensive struggles—particularly at the quarterback position—have dampened their surge.

• Cleveland Browns – 0‑3
  The Browns remain winless after three games, losing to the 49ers, the Panthers, and the Steelers. The franchise’s offensive woes, coupled with defensive instability, have left the Browns at the bottom of the division and the league.

Team‑by‑Team Deep Dive

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers’ 3‑0 record is built on a resilient offensive line that has kept the protection intact for both Ben Roethlisberger and rookie wide‑receiver Chase Claypool. According to a linked article on the Steelers’ offensive line’s performance, the unit has allowed fewer than 30 rushing yards per game, enabling a balanced attack that has kept defenses guessing. Their defense has been highlighted by the defensive coordinator’s “blitz‑heavy” scheme, which has produced 17 sacks across the first three weeks. The team's upcoming game against the Colts is crucial: if the Colts can finally pull off a victory, Pittsburgh will have to reassess its offensive strategy.

Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore’s success hinges on the synergy between quarterback Lamar Jackson’s dual‑threat ability and the defense’s pass‑rushing dominance. The link to a deeper analysis of the Ravens’ defensive front shows a unit that has consistently forced turnovers, with 12 forced fumbles in the first three weeks. The Ravens’ head coach, who is known for an aggressive, high‑tempo offensive scheme, continues to emphasize ball movement and rapid play-calling. Their next test will be a clash against the Steelers, a game that SportingNews flagged as a “division‑defining” matchup that could determine the AFC North’s fate.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals’ struggles are primarily attributed to injuries. A link in the SportingNews article leads to a recap of the Bengals’ injury report: key wide‑receiver Tyler Boyd and backup quarterback Joe Burrow are currently listed as questionable. The Bengals’ offensive coordinator has expressed optimism that rookie wide‑receiver Tee Higgins could step into a more prominent role, but the coaching staff is also focusing on developing a more diversified passing attack. Their next opponent, the Raiders, poses a tough challenge with a defense that has pressured quarterbacks on the road.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns have been in a dire situation from the outset. The linked article to the Browns’ offensive statistics shows a passing efficiency of just 57% across the first three weeks. Defensive statistics mirror the offensive slump, with the team allowing an average of 30 points per game. The Browns’ head coach, who is known for a ball‑carrying offensive approach, is looking to make mid‑season adjustments, but for now the team is in a slump that requires urgent attention.

Key Players & Storylines

• Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers) – Continues to be a reliable presence in the backfield, while still adding occasional rushing yards. His performance in the Week 3 victory over the Patriots—an 8‑touchdown game—was pivotal to the team’s undefeated start.

• Lamar Jackson (Ravens) – His dual threat remains a challenge for opposing defenses. After a Week 1 loss that exposed a lack of depth in the backfield, he returned with a 4‑TD performance in Week 2 that reasserted his status as the AFC’s premier running‑back quarterback.

• Joe Burrow (Bengals) – The Bengals’ offensive linchpin; injuries threaten to derail the team’s offensive momentum. If he can return from injury, the Bengals have a chance to re‑establish themselves in the division.

• Quincy Williams (Browns) – The rookie offensive lineman’s performance has been a major concern; he’s been listed as questionable for Week 4.

Upcoming Division Showdowns

The SportingNews article underscores several pivotal games that could decide the AFC North’s trajectory:

1. Steelers vs. Colts – A critical game that will test whether the Colts can finally break the Steelers’ unbeaten streak.
2. Ravens vs. Steelers – A must‑win for Baltimore if they want to stay within reach of Pittsburgh’s lead.
3. Bengals vs. Raiders – A high‑stakes match that will gauge whether the Bengals can bounce back from injuries and stay in the conversation.
4. Browns vs. Patriots – A tough test for the Browns as they try to end a three‑game losing streak.

Broader Context

The article also weaves in a broader conversation about the competitiveness of the AFC North. The division’s high expectations—particularly for the Steelers and Ravens—set the stage for intense rivalries that carry implications for the AFC playoffs. The link to a deeper analysis of the AFC’s overall standings suggests that the AFC North’s early dominance or decline could shift the league’s balance, with the Steelers and Ravens often being the teams to watch in a division that historically produces playoff contenders.

Bottom Line

With the Steelers opening the season with a flawless start and the Ravens just one game behind, the AFC North is poised for a dramatic season. Cincinnati’s injuries keep them in the mix, but they must recover quickly to challenge for the top spot. Cleveland remains at a distance, with significant changes necessary before they can hope to compete in the division. The upcoming matchups outlined in the SportingNews article are critical; each has the potential to cement a team’s position or send them scrambling for the remainder of the season. As the AFC North marches toward the playoffs, the eyes of the league will be on Pittsburgh and Baltimore, but Cincinnati’s resilience will be the dark horse that could rewrite the division’s narrative.