The AFC North standings race and division implications

The Baltimore Ravens hold a 4-1 record and lead the AFC North. Lamar Jackson provides momentum with rushing touchdowns against the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts. In the game against the Titans, Jackson recorded 20 rushing yards on 2 attempts. He added 40 rushing yards on 7 attempts during the win against the Colts. Jackson also had a productive passing game, throwing 2 touchdowns and 222 yards against the Titans. He threw 2 touchdowns and 186 yards against Dallas in late September. Jackson’s 2026 season includes a 119.6 passer rating in his game against the Titans. Jackson has 194 rushing yards on 19 attempts this season. The Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers will duel for first place in the AFC North next week. The Steelers sit at 3-2. This matches the record of the Browns and Bengals. The Steelers possess a point differential of 2, which is low compared to the Ravens’ 27. You should watch how the Steelers maintain their position as the division race tightens.

Cleveland faces a quarterback dilemma

Cleveland faces a massive quarterback dilemma following Deshaun Watson’s injury history. Watson carries a $46 million salary cap hit for each of the next two seasons. His contract includes a fully guaranteed, five-year $230 million total. The Browns will take a $72 million salary-cap hit because of this deal. Rookie Shedeur Sanders takes starts while Watson rehabilitates his Achilles tendon. The team also relies on Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Dillon Gabriel to provide depth. Because the Browns will take a $72 million salary-cap hit from the Watson deal, the front office faces limited ability to fix the roster while managing the rookie development of Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Watson is 9-10 in 19 starts since joining the team. His previous seasons ended prematurely due to a broken shoulder and a snapped tendon in 2024. The decision to acquire the 29-year-old required the team to send three first-round draft picks to Houston. This move drew criticism because of the money spent and allegations of sexual misconduct Watson faced while playing for the Texans. Watson faces accusations from two dozen women regarding sexual assault and harassment during massage therapy sessions. Fans reacted to his injury with derisive cheering, which angered several teammates. General manager Andrew Berry confirmed the team wants to carry three quarterbacks between the active roster and the practice squad.

AFC North standings and division implications

The AFC North standings show a highly competitive middle pack. The Browns, Steelers, and Bengals each hold a 3-2 record. The Ravens currently maintain a 0.800 winning percentage. The AFC race involves several other teams fighting for wild card slots. Four teams in the AFC hold 8-4 records, with three of them occupying wild card positions. Houston holds a 7-5 record, which is two games better than the 5-7 Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins earned a third consecutive win with a 21-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints. The Dolphins could potentially pull even with the loser of the Ravens and Steelers matchup. The Dolphins’ 0-5 record is the worst in the AFC.

Betting on the division winner requires monitoring player health and late-season schedules. The Browns remain in a difficult position due to their quarterback situation. The team has $33.5 million in remaining cap space, but the Watson contract limits their flexibility. The Browns rely on Dorian Thompson-Robinson to progress as a starter. The team also has the option to look at veterans like Joe Flacco, although they focus on their current room. Can the Browns find enough stability at quarterback to stay competitive in the division?