The AFC North continues to be one of the most unpredictable divisions in football. Each week brings a new storyline — from unexpected upsets to teams struggling to find their rhythm. With Week 8 in the books, it’s time to see how each squad stacks up in this week’s AFC North power rankings
4. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett during warm up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
The Browns are by far the worst team in the division; they are the only team for which there is no chance they will win in some situations. The Browns have one of the most inefficient offenses in the league, and their defense is really good, but it is spotty in terms of consistency. The Browns are just looking forward to the draft and next season.
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3. Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson
Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) leaves the field after a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The Baltimore Ravens have finally won a game after getting an early win in the season. The Ravens will probably build up and up on the power rankings as they get healthier with Lamar Jackson. The defense is also taking a huge leap in intensity, and they are building a foundation of defensive intensity that they had before but no longer do.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks to throw in the third quarter of the NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Oct. 16, 2025.
The Steelers fall to number 2 in this week’s power rankings because they have looked pretty bad in these past few games. The defense has been really really bad and the offense has been ok, the Steelers were beat by the Bengals so the Bengals jumped them in the power rankings but everyone else has been pretty bad.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Ja'Marr Chase
Sep 29, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) looks on after the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Bengals take over the number 1 spot despite losing to the New York Jets. The Bengals have won 2 of their last 3 and have looked really good doing so. The Bengals offense has been really, really good, but the defense has been lackluster. The Bengals land at number 1 because the rest of the division has just been bad.
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Final Thoughts:
Overall, the AFC North remains one of the most unpredictable divisions in football, with no team truly separating itself from the pack. The Bengals have shown flashes of potential, but the rest of the division continues to battle inconsistency and injuries. As the season progresses, it’ll be interesting to see which team can finally establish some momentum and take control of the North.
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