Updated Standings:
- Cleveland Browns 4-2
- Pittsburgh Steelers 4-2
- Baltimore Ravens 4-2
- Cincinnati Bengals 3-2
Pittsburgh Steelers
Matchup: @ New Orleans Saints (London), 9:30am EST
The Steelers are traveling to London this week as the “road” team in a matchup with the New Orleans Saints — making them the second AFC North squad to play internationally this season. Last week, Pittsburgh escaped Tampa Bay with an overtime victory, their first consecutive win of the year, and improved to 4-2. The Steelers have scored 24+ points in four straight games after a slow offensive start in the first two weeks.
Against the
Saints, the Steelers have a good chance to continue their scoring momentum. New Orleans is giving up 377.7 yards per game, fourth most in the NFL, and their allowing 29.7 points per game — tied for the worst mark. The Saints have been particularly vulnerable defending the run. Jaylen Warren’s production came back to earth in Week 5, but Rico Dowdle returned and was efficient with 40 yards on seven carries. The Steelers ran the ball only 22 times compared to 49 passes, so expect them to strike more balance in this game.
Defensively, the Steelers will need to key in on slowing down star wide receiver Chris Olave — who ranks second in the NFL in receiving yards (580) and fourth in receptions (43). The Saints’ passing attack was prolific through Weeks 1-4 but has taken a step back over the last two games. The Steelers should be able to hold the Saints in check on the ground, though, so prevent quarterback Tyler Shough from making big plays remains the priority.
Baltimore Ravens
Matchup: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00pm EST
Coming off a loss to the Browns, the Ravens are now trying to avoid a damaging 0-2 divisional record when they host the Bengals this Sunday. Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson-less offense regressed significantly last week. The Ravens scored 10 points within the first few minutes of the game and were shut out from there. Whether or not Jackson returns to action this week remains the biggest storyline and determining factor for the Ravens’ chances of winning.
Regardless of whether he’s back or Tyler Huntley is starting again, the Ravens’ offensive line will need to have their best game of the season. The Bengals’ defensive front poses challenges, particularly on the interior with star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. Cam Jurgens, whom the Ravens recently acquired via trade, is set to make his first start with the team at center and will be immediately tested. Lawrence is capable of wrecking any game plan the Ravens have if they can’t block him. The offensive tackles will also need to be up to the task against Boye Mafe, Myles Murphy and Cedric Johnson on the edge.
The Ravens will be similarly tested on defense in the secondary, where they’re tasked with slowing down Cincinnati’s high-powered passing attack. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have given the Ravens issues over the years, and they will need a strong performance from Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey on the outside to limit explosive passing plays. Getting consistent quarterback pressure, like the Ravens did last week in Cleveland, will be important to make Joe Burrow uncomfortable.
Cincinnati Bengals
Matchup: @ Baltimore Ravens, 1:00pm EST
On the other side of this week’s AFC North showdown, the Bengals are fresh off a bye week and heading into Baltimore with extra rest and preparation time. Before their break, they snapped a two-game losing streak with a 31-24 win over the Miami Dolphins to get back over .500 by one game. Both Chase and Higgins were playing off of injuries in that game, so the bye week came at a good time for the Bengals to get extra healthy.
If Jackson is not playing, the defensive task becomes much easier for the Bengals. Like the Browns did last week, the Bengals will likely crowd the box at the line of scrimmage and play tight man coverage — forcing Huntley to beat them downfield. The Ravens have not been as efficient running the ball this season and have struggled in short-yardage conversion attempts with Derrick Henry. If the Bengals can control the line of scrimmage with their defensive front, they should be able to find some defensive success regardless of the quarterback.
The Ravens’ defense has played a lot of two-high safety looks and dared offenses to beat them in the middle of the field. The Bengals will likely try to establish the run in a difficult road environment, but that’s been an area of weakness for them this year. Their 82.8 rushing yards per game ranks fifth-worst in the NFL, while they’re in the Top 10 in passing yards. In 10 career games against the Ravens, Chase has totaled 75 receptions and 1,204 receiving yards with eight touchdowns.
Cleveland Browns
Matchup: @ Tennessee Titans, 1:00pm EST
The Browns continue to defy expectations and improved to 4-2 with a win over the Ravens last week, reclaiming first-place position in the division. Like their previous three victories before, the Browns won by four points or less and their win came via a late fourth quarter scoring drive to take the lead. Whether or not this is sustainable remains to be seen, but they’ve put themselves in good position thus far regardless.
A more favorable contest is on the docket this week against a one-win Titans team, who the Browns are narrow favorites to beat on the road. It’s projected to be another low-scoring affair. The Browns’ defense should be able to handle Tennessee’s offense with relative ease. The Titans are averaging just 14.0 points per game, tied for the worst mark in the league, and have the least productive passing attack of any team. They are coming off a season-best showing, however, having scored 26 points in their first win of the season last week.
The Titans’ defense has been much more formidable, led by star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons up front, who is a game-wrecking talent. The Browns have continued to struggle running the ball, but Tennessee is vulnerable against the run, allowing over 122 rushing yards per game. Getting Quinshon Judkins back from injury would be a nice boost for this game. He’s on track to play after returning to practice this week in limited fashion.
