NFL Week 1: Recapping the AFC North

The AFC North is possibly the most competitive division in the NFL, and as at least 3 of the 4 teams are typically vying for the division crown come December, the division got off to a rocky start to 2015. When the dust settled, the division finished the week 1-3. Not a great start, but hardly the end of the world. See how each team did in their Week 1 matchups.

Pittsburgh Steelers lose to New England Patriots 21-28

Pittsburgh lost to the New England Patriots in a game fraught with mistakes, odd coaching decisions, and a frustratingly inept secondary that left Rob Gronkowski uncovered more than once. Still, despite the worrisome glitches, there were several bright spots in the season opener. The combination of Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown was as brilliant as ever; DeAngelo Williams proved he is a more than adequate substitute for Le'Veon Bell; and the offensive line without Maurkice Pouncey held up reasonably well.

Cleveland Browns lose to New York Jets 10-31

Cleveland was no match for the New York Jets, despite Geno Smith's injury that kept him sidelined for the season opener. The Browns managed to score ten points in the second quarter. Outside of that, they were shut out, unable to penetrate the New York Jets defense. On offense, there were few bright spots. Johnny Manziel threw 189 yards with one touchdown, one interception, and two fumbles.

Baltimore Ravens lose to Denver Broncos 13-19

A nail-biter of a game with an endzone interception by the Denver Broncos, ending all hope of a Ravens comeback at the end of the fourth quarter. The game was largely a defensive battle with neither offense able to generate yardage or scoring plays and neither quarterback throwing a single touchdown. On the Broncos side of the ball kicker Brandon McManus was 4/4 on field goals and Darian Stewart scored the team's only touchdown. The Ravens only touchdown was also defensive with cornerback Jimmy Smith scoring.

Cincinnati Bengals defeat Oakland Raiders 33-13

After losing to Oakland the last three times they played them on the west coast, the Bengals had a reversal of fortune, beating the Raiders in California. The Raiders were lifeless until quarterback Derek Carr left the game with an injury in the second quarter and back up Matt McGloin stepped in and ended up throwing for two touchdowns in the final quarter. Andy Dalton threw two touchdowns, both to Tyler Eifert. Running back Jeremy Hill had two rushing touchdowns. A.J. Green had five receptions for 63 yards, and a dropped pass in the endzone.