The AFC North is typically one of the more competitive divisions in the NFL, known for its intense rivalries and physical style of play. With four weeks down in the 2025 season, the landscape of the division looks a little different from what many anticipated.
The Cincinnati Bengals have already dealt with a season-ending injury to quarterback Joe Burrow and have fallen to 2-2 after a soul-crushing 28-3 loss to the Denver Broncos. With upcoming matchups against the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers,
the Bengals’ season could be derailed very quickly.
The Baltimore Ravens have had a challenging schedule to start the year and have only managed to win one of their four games, beating the Cleveland Browns. Their schedule will become more manageable in the coming weeks, and they will have an opportunity to turn things around. It won’t be easy, as Lamar Jackson may be sidelined for multiple games with a hamstring injury.
The Pittsburgh Steelers sit atop the division with a 3-1 record. The Steelers have yet to play any other AFC North teams, so a lot can still change for them within the division. Even with an early lead in the standings, many of the sportsbooks and oddsmakers still do not expect the Steelers to win the division.
With all the parity in the division, the Browns are still in contention with their 1-3 record. The schedule lightens up significantly with upcoming matchups against the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. If the Browns can get a spark with Dillon Gabriel as the starting quarterback, they will keep themselves in the conversation for the AFC North crown.
Let me know what you think in the comments – With the AFC North title up for grabs, do you think the Browns can take the crown?
