The Baltimore Ravens got some help Sunday, but the hottest team in the AFC North kept pulling away. Cincinnati beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-17 in Madrid for its fourth consecutive victory, while Cleveland dropped a 23-22 overtime decision at New Orleans. Pittsburgh had its bye, leaving the Steelers and Bengals tied at 6-2 atop the division.
Baltimore remained fourth at 4-5 after Thursday night’s 33-10 loss to Jacksonville, with Cleveland’s defeat keeping the Browns one game ahead of the Ravens. The results left Baltimore 2½ games behind Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, a difficult position for a team trying to reverse its own slide.
Updated AFC North standings
Bengals keep rolling behind Joe Burrow
Cincinnati’s offense traveled well, with Joe Burrow completing 24 of 29 passes for 271 yards
and three touchdowns while adding a rushing score. Ja’Marr Chase caught 10 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown, and Tee Higgins finished with two touchdown receptions as the Bengals built a 24-10 halftime advantage.
The victory sets up a significant Week 10 matchup against Pittsburgh on Sunday night. Cincinnati will host the Steelers with a chance to move ahead in the standings, adding another obstacle to Baltimore’s effort to climb back into the division race.
Browns lose overtime gamble in New Orleans
Cleveland’s chance to maintain its cushion over Baltimore ended on an unsuccessful two-point conversion. After Tyler Shough found Juwan Johnson for a 15-yard touchdown on New Orleans’ opening overtime possession, Shedeur Sanders answered with a 39-yard touchdown pass to Harold Fannin Jr. The Browns went for the victory, but Sanders’ conversion attempt fell incomplete.
Sanders threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns while starting for the injured Deshaun Watson. Cleveland fell to 5-4, keeping Baltimore within one game of third place.
Steelers hold first place during bye
Pittsburgh remained first, holding the head-to-head advantage over Cincinnati after winning their earlier meeting. The Steelers entered their bye riding a four-game winning streak, and next week’s rematch gives them a chance to strengthen that position.
For Baltimore, Sunday delivered mixed results. Cleveland’s loss kept third place within reach, but Cincinnati’s victory ensured the Ravens gained no ground on the division leaders. With Pittsburgh and Cincinnati meeting next, Baltimore needs to start stacking victories to make those results matter.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: How the AFC North performed on Sunday while the Ravens were idle
