Week 11 of the NFL season has been nothing short of a disaster for three of the AFC North teams, while the Pittsburgh Steelers somehow managed to escape with their dignity intact—though just barely. As the playoff race intensifies, it’s clear that this division has turned into a war zone, with only one team looking like it might have a shot at making any noise in the postseason. Here’s how the AFC North stacks up after another chaotic week of action:
**1. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4): Holding On By a Thread**
The Steelers might not be pretty, but they’re still in the hunt. With a narrow win this week, Pittsburgh somehow found a way to survive despite an offense that remains as uninspiring as ever. Kenny Pickett continues to be a question mark, and the team’s inability to consistently move the ball is concerning. However, their defense is still one of the best in the league, and it’s keeping them afloat. If the Steelers are to remain competitive, they’ll need a miracle from their offense—but in a division as chaotic as this one, they might not need much more than just surviving.
**2. Baltimore Ravens (7-4): The Wheels Are Falling Off**
The Ravens were supposed to be the clear favorites in the AFC North, but their latest stumble has opened the door for serious doubt. Lamar Jackson has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but inconsistency is starting to creep in. A brutal loss this week highlighted their lack of depth in key areas, and their defense, once their stronghold, has been showing cracks. The Ravens’ playoff hopes are very much in jeopardy if they can’t sort out their issues quickly.
**3. Cleveland Browns (5-5): Disastrous Offense Continues**
The Browns’ offense is officially an embarrassment. Even with a solid defense that has kept them in games, the inability to score points is holding them back. Deshaun Watson’s inconsistency and injuries continue to plague the team, and without a reliable quarterback, they’re doomed to be stuck in mediocrity. The defense can only do so much, and it seems like the Browns’ playoff hopes have all but evaporated.
**4. Cincinnati Bengals (5-5): Injuries Derailing a Once Promising Season**
The Bengals’ season has been a rollercoaster, with Joe Burrow’s injury setting them back further than they could have imagined. While Burrow is still trying to play through pain, the team’s offense is sputtering, and their defense is nowhere near as dominant as it was in 2023. The Bengals are facing a steep uphill battle just to stay in the wild card conversation, and unless Burrow can somehow find his form, their season will likely come to an abrupt end.
**Bottom Line**
Week 11 has exposed the flaws of all the AFC North teams except the Steelers, who are managing to hang on by a thread. The Ravens, Browns, and Bengals all have major issues to address before they can be taken seriously as contenders. With the playoffs fast approaching, it’s anyone’s guess which team from this division will find a way to salvage their season. But one thing’s for sure—the AFC North has become a complete mess.
