AFC North Standings: Division becomes a two horse race

It is sad to see how far the AFC North has fallen. You know how competitive the AFC West is in 2016? That used to be the AFC North. The division who would regularly have three teams represented in the AFC Playoffs, but what it looks like now is only the division champion will be playing football in January.

After Week 12, the division looks to be a mixed bag of goods for the four teams who call the North home. The Cleveland Browns have yet to win a football game, the Cincinnati Bengals’ fall off has been precipitous and the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers are far from their usual expectations in regards to their records.

When looking at where things are after this week’s slate of games, the division has become a two horse race between Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Time to check out how things went down in Week 12, and to update the standings.

Baltimore Ravens - 19
Cincinnati Bengals - 14

Steelers fans were hoping the Bengals could do them a favor and knock off the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, and they were close, but the Bengals’ offense without Giovani Bernard and A.J. Green is simply not dynamic. The Ravens continue their reliance on Justin Tucker, who kicked 4 field goals against Cincinnati. The road gets tougher for the Ravens in the coming weeks.

Week 13 opponent: MIA at BAL
Week 13 opponent: PHI at CIN

New York Giants - 27
Cleveland Browns - 13

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, the Browns lose in a game which was closer than the score might indicate. Yeah, that has been the theme for Hue Jackson and his squad of lovable losers. Well, someone has to love the team who hasn’t won a game this season yet, right? Regardless, the question now becomes, will the Browns win a game in their final 4? The 0-16 Detroit Lions might be having company soon...

Week 13 opponent: BYE Week

Pittsburgh Steelers - 28
Indianapolis Colts - 7

In a rather unorthodox game at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Steelers jumped out to a big lead, but let Scott Tolzien and company hang around until the defense stood tall on more than one occasion to pull out a much needed win to remain relevant not only in the division, but in the AFC Playoff picture. It doesn’t get easier for the Steelers, but then again, does it ever?

Week 13 opponent: PIT vs. NYG

Updated AFC North Standings

Baltimore Ravens - 6-5*
Pittsburgh Steelers - 6-5
Cincinnati Bengals - 3-7-1
Cleveland Browns - 0-12
* - Ravens hold tie breaker over the Steelers due to their head-to-head win.