AFC North standings remain tight as division races intensify
The Browns, Steelers, and Ravens all hold 4-2 records as the AFC North race intensifies. A new strength of victory tiebreaker rule serves as the fifth step in resolving three-way divisional ties if head-to-head and divisional records remain equal.
The AFC North standings present a crowded leaderboard where the Browns, Steelers, and Ravens all hold 4-2 records. The Browns maintain the top position because they possess a 2-0 head-to-head winning percentage against their divisional rivals. If the season ends with three teams possessing identical won-lost-tied percentages, the NFL tiebreaker procedures use a specific sequence to determine the winner. After evaluating head-to-head records, divisional records, common games, and conference records, the league moves to strength of victory. This fifth step uses the combined winning percentage of all opponents a team defeated to break the tie. Following strength of victory, the sixth step uses strength of schedule, while the seventh step looks at the best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed. If any step eliminates one club, the remaining tied teams restart the process at the first step of the two-club format. In a three-way tie for the wild card, the NFL first applies the division tiebreaker to remove all but the highest-ranked club from each division. A tie game counts as one-half win and one-half loss for both clubs. You should watch these tiebreaker math shifts as the division race progresses.
The Steelers head into their Week 9 bye after a 27-24 road loss to the Browns. Aaron Rodgers completed 22 of 40 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns during that contest. I find the Steelers’ lack of consistency troubling, especially as they lost Derrick Harmon to a foot injury that placed him on injured reserve. Jaylen Warren provided a spark with 93 rushing yards, while T.J. Watt and Payton Wilson combined for two sacks. The Browns also manage a complex roster. Deshaun Watson led the offense in Week 4, which featured a 56-yard field goal from Andre Szmyt with 10 seconds remaining. The team also relies on rookie wide receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion, who combined for 153 yards. The Browns face questions regarding their long-term quarterback plan as they evaluate candidates like Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. The Browns defense also produced two interceptions from Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit and sacked Aaron Rodgers five times. Quinshon Judkins led the Browns in rushing with 53 yards and one touchdown. Mason Graham also suffered a sprained MCL and ankle. The Ravens improved to 3-1 with a 24-18 home win over the Tennessee Titans, but an ankle injury to Lamar Jackson overshadowed the victory. Jackson completed 15 of 20 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns before the injury sidelined him. Zay Flowers recorded 118 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Derrick Henry finished with 73 rushing yards. Baltimore also lost Durham Smythe to a torn Achilles and Marlon Humphrey to a calf injury.
The Bengals hold a 3-2 record after a 22-17 home loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Joe Burrow threw 428 yards and one touchdown against two interceptions. The team lost Tee Higgins to a groin injury and Ja’Marr Chase to a concussion, leaving the offense without its two primary weapons. The Bengals defense secured four sacks through Dexter Lawrence, Boye Mafe, Myles Murphy, and Kris Jenkins Jr. to limit the Jaguars. The Bengals face a difficult stretch including a trip to Madrid for an international game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9. The Bengals also host the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14 and play the Ravens on New Year’s Eve. The Bengals’ run game struggled, as Chase Brown only recorded 10 yards on nine carries. If the Browns, Bengals, and Ravens all finish 9-8, the Browns would still win the tiebreaker because they went 3-1 against the Bengals and Ravens, while the Bengals would be 2-2 and the Ravens would be 1-3. The Bengals also play the Tennessee Titans in Week 8 and the Washington Commanders in Week 11. The Browns must win their remaining games against the Steelers and the Bengals to secure the division.
