An overtime victory over a much-improved Atlanta Falcons team left the Baltimore Ravens in first place in the AFC North after the fifth week of the season.
Meanwhile, wins by Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, coupled with a loss by the Cleveland Browns, created a logjam for the runner-up spot.
Let’s take a look at the AFC North heading into Week 6.
Bengals look ready for bye in win over Miami
Joe Burrow threw four touchdown passes, including a spectacular 45-yard scoring strike to Ja’Marr Chase, as Cincinnati snapped a two-game losing streak with a 31-24
victory over Miami. Burrow completed 23 of 32 passes for 190 yards, spreading the ball among nine receivers. Chase, who missed practice time during the week because of a concussion, finished with six catches for 77 yards. Mike Gesicki, Tanner Hudson and Samaje Perine also caught touchdown passes as the Bengals improved to 3-2.
Cincinnati’s defense also played a major role in the victory. Safety Jordan Battle intercepted Miami quarterback Malik Willis twice in the second quarter, helping the Bengals build a 21-7 halftime advantage. An 81-yard opening kickoff return by Dohnte Meyers set up Cincinnati’s first touchdown. The Dolphins rallied late, cutting the deficit to seven points in the final minute, but a missed extra point and unsuccessful onside kick ended their comeback attempt.
Thankfully, the Bengals are getting a bye this week that will hopefully help them clean things up with a massive Week 7 game at Baltimore looming.
Jets slow Cleveland’s roll
Cleveland’s three-game winning streak came to an end in a rain-soaked 17-12 loss to the New York Jets. The Browns struggled to protect quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was sacked eight times and completed just 15 of 33 passes for 155 yards. Watson connected with rookie Denzel Boston on a 29-yard touchdown pass midway through the fourth quarter, briefly giving Cleveland a 12-10 lead. Andre Szmyt missed the extra point, however, leaving the Browns vulnerable to a late comeback.
The decisive mistake came on special teams after Cleveland’s defense had forced a New York punt. A high snap sailed past punter Corey Bojorquez, allowing the Jets to recover deep in Browns territory. Three plays later, Braelon Allen scored on a 22-yard run to put New York ahead with just over three minutes remaining. Cleveland had one final opportunity, but Watson was strip-sacked on fourth down, sealing the loss. The Browns fell to 3-2 after a game in which their defense kept them competitive but offensive struggles and costly mistakes proved decisive.
Warren does it all for Steelers
Jaylen Warren delivered one of the most impressive performances of his career, accounting for 188 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns as Pittsburgh defeated Indianapolis 34-22. Warren scored on an 80-yard reception in the first quarter and broke loose for a 50-yard touchdown run in the third, providing the offensive spark the Steelers needed after their previous week’s loss to Cleveland. With Rico Dowdle sidelined by a toe injury, Warren has emerged as Pittsburgh’s primary offensive weapon. The victory improved the Steelers’ record to 3-2.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 22 of 31 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns, including two scoring throws to tight end Pat Freiermuth. Pittsburgh repeatedly answered Indianapolis scoring drives, preventing the Colts from taking control despite several opportunities. The Steelers also benefited from Indianapolis’ inability to finish drives, as the Colts settled for five field goals.
Ravens overcome Falcons
Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley rallied Baltimore from an eight-point deficit in the final minute of regulation before scoring the winning touchdown in overtime as the Ravens defeated Atlanta 30-23. Filling in for the injured Lamar Jackson, Huntley completed 24 of 32 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns. His 7-yard scoring pass to Devontez Walker with 40 seconds remaining brought Baltimore within two points, and Derrick Henry converted the ensuing two-point attempt to force overtime. Huntley then scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak to give the Ravens the lead.
Baltimore’s defense finished the job when safety Kyle Hamilton intercepted Atlanta’s backup quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. Henry rushed for 102 yards against a Falcons defense that entered the game ranked first against the run, while the Ravens overcame several stalled drives and three first-half field goals. The victory improved Baltimore’s record to 4-1 and gave the Ravens sole possession of first place in the AFC North.
AFC North Standings Week 6
Because the Bengals are the only team with a loss and no wins in division play, they sit in last place in the AFC North heading into Week 6. A win at Baltimore in Week 7 would go along way in their race for the division lead, but a loss could put them in a deep hole if the Ravens also win this week vs. the Browns.
