What an NFL season it's been, and we're not even halfway through the Baltimore Ravens' campaign yet. As in many other divisions, the AFC North race keeps getting more interesting.
Power rankings offer a snapshot of how differently the division's teams are navigating the season, but most discussions still turn to quarterbacks. Every efficient campaign and new rhythm sparks hours of conversation. The AFC North has earned its reputation through four teams famous for wanting to beat one another up, but it's also home to four polarizing offensive signal-callers.
Two rank among the best of the current era. One is working his way back from an injury. Another is one of the best of any era and a future Pro Football Hall of Famer. The fourth embodies what
it means to fall and pick yourself back up after being given another chance.
Week 6 didn't bring new game film for Joe Burrow as his team enjoyed a bye. Still, we feel confident we know enough about him and his season-long production to keep the conversation going. Aaron Rodgers continues to give Pittsburgh reasons to be optimistic.
Deshaun Watson deserves credit for again driving his team into position to win late. Tyler Huntley remains a capable backup, but his latest performance showed how hard it is to sustain an offense without Lamar Jackson. Here's how the four current AFC North quarterbacks stack up heading into Week 7.
1. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (Bye Week)
The Cincinnati Bengals sat out Week 6, so Burrow didn't have a chance to improve his numbers. However, his performance through the first five games gives him a strong case for the top spot. He didn't improve his stock while idle, but he also didn't damage it.
Burrow is completing 71.4% of his passes, with 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He's been efficient and productive, putting together a statistical start that could become one of the best seasons of his career. His late-game struggles have contributed to Cincinnati's two losses, but those issues don't erase the quality of his overall performance.
It's still surprising that the Bengals haven't made the playoffs since 2022. As the division grows more competitive, Burrow and Cincinnati can't afford to let close games slip away. Their schedule resumes with a difficult road matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, giving the Bengals an immediate opportunity to establish themselves in the AFC North race.
2. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
We may not be seeing vintage Aaron Rodgers, but the Steelers quarterback keeps showing flashes and the ability to lead his team to victory in multiple ways. He has won shootouts, and he and his teammates have had to grind out a couple. beginning to find a rhythm. His performance against theTampa Bay Buccaneersoffered another encouraging sign, even as Pittsburgh's offensive line struggled to protect him.
Rodgers was sacked five times and attempted 49 passes, neither of which is an ideal recipe for sustained success. Still, he made several impressive throws, navigated the pocket effectively at times, and threw two touchdown passes versus one interception.
His ability to make quick decisions and capitalize on opportunities remains valuable to an offense that needs more consistency. The downfield passing game wasn't as productive against Tampa Bay, and Rodgers took too much punishment. However, he's given Pittsburgh reason to believe it can stay competitive all season. The Steelers don't need him to recreate his best years. They need him to make smart decisions, deliver in important moments, and give the offense a chance to win. He can handle that. After another win, Rodgers has done enough to maintain the second spot.
3. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
How about another game-winning drive from the Browns that was led by Deshaun Watson? The Cleveland quarterback delivered when his team needed him, setting up Andre Szmyt's game-winning field goal in a 13-10 win over Baltimore.
Cleveland's defense deserves much of the credit for the divisional win, but Watson still had to make the late plays that mattered. His completion to Jerry Jeudy helped set up the decisive kick, and he avoided the kind of turnover that could have given Baltimore another chance.
In a defensive battle, protecting the football and making one or two critical throws can be the difference between winning and losing. Watson did enough to help Cleveland finish the job, and the Browns now enter Week 7 atop the division. That doesn't mean Watson has suddenly become the most productive quarterback in the AFC North, but his ability to deliver in a close game deserves recognition. Place him third after helping Cleveland secure a key divisional win. They are now 3-0 at home and 2-0 in the division.
4. Tyler Huntley, Baltimore Ravens
Tyler Huntley and the Baltimore Ravens' offense came out firing against Cleveland for about 11 minutes. Unfortunately, that early success disappeared, and Baltimore finished with just ten points in a frustrating loss.
Huntley wasn't solely responsible for the defeat. Derrick Henry's fumble helped Cleveland get back in the game, and a missed fourth-quarter field goal cost Baltimore a chance to regain a two-score lead. Still, Huntley will be one of the faces of this loss, as quarterbacks often are.
His accuracy and decision-making became less consistent as the game progressed, and the Ravens couldn't find enough answers against Cleveland's defensive adjustments. Huntley remains a capable backup who can help Baltimore compete, but Sunday's performance showed how hard it is to sustain the offense without its usual starting quarterback.
Lamar Jackson's eventual return remains critical, particularly with Cincinnati, the Buffalo Bills and the Jacksonville Jaguars looming on the schedule. If Jackson is ready to return against the Bengals, Baltimore will have a chance to stabilize its offense before the schedule getseven more demanding. Until then, Huntley needs to be more consistent if the Ravens hope to keep pace in a division that is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: AFC North QB rankings entering Week 7: Where Tyler Huntley stands
