AFC North Recap: The Steelers remain in control of their own destiny after Week 6

The sixth week of NFL football is behind us, and it was quite the week in the AFC North division. With that said, it is time to see how the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns all did in the week that was.

Time to take a look...

Baltimore Ravens - 34
Los Angeles Chargers - 6

I’m not sure if this speaks more to the play of the Ravens, or that of the Chargers, but it was a dominant performance at M&T Bank Stadium for the home team. Justin Herbert is going to be a tremendous quarterback, and most would say he already is, but he certainly went through some growing pains vs. the Baltimore defense. The Ravens are red-hot, and a big matchup with Cincinnati awaits in Week 7.

Cincinnati Bengals - 34
Detroit Lions - 11

I knew the Bengals would be a better team in 2021, if they could stay healthy, and they look more like a contender than a pretender. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase look like they did when together at LSU, and they did what they should do against a lesser Lions team — dominate. As I said before, the Bengals next test will be a big one, the Baltimore Ravens. Win that one, and you’ll have the attention of the entire NFL.

Arizona Cardinals - 37
Cleveland Browns - 14

The Browns were dismantled by the undefeated Cardinals, in more ways than one. Already without Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt was carted off the field and Baker Mayfield dislocated his non-throwing shoulder for the second time this season. The Browns are struggling right now, and if it weren’t for a Hail Mary at the end of the half, they wouldn’t have hit pay dirt twice in the game. The Cardinals are good, but the Browns also played poorly at home. The Browns play the Broncos at home in Week 7, this before hosting the Steelers in Week 8. The Browns are a banged up group heading into these big AFC matchups.

Pittsburgh Steelers - 23 (OT)
Seattle Seahawks - 20

It wasn’t pretty, but it was necessary. The Steelers found a way to win, and there are times when you have to tip your cap to the opposition. The Seahawks were hit with several big injuries, and Pete Carroll found a way to get his team on the cusp of pulling off a huge upset on national television. It just wasn’t in the cards. I’d say the better team won the game, but there is plenty to improve upon before the Steelers take the field again. Luckily that won’t be until Week 8, and the bye wee comes at a time when the team can get some of their walking wounded healed up for the stretch run.

AFC North Standings

Baltimore Ravens - 5-1
Cincinnati Bengals - 4-2
Cleveland Browns - 3-3
Pittsburgh Steelers - 3-3

Week 7 AFC North Schedule:

Cleveland Browns vs. Denver Broncos — Thursday Night Football, 8:15 p.m. ET

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals — Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET

Pittsburgh Steelers — BYE WEEK

A look ahead...

Next three opponents for all AFC North teams:

Baltimore Ravens: vs. Bengals, BYE, vs. Vikings
Cleveland Browns: vs. Broncos, vs. Steelers, at Bengals
Pittsburgh Steelers: BYE, at Browns, vs. Bears (MNF)
Cincinnati Bengals: at Ravens, at Jets, vs. Browns