NFL Power Rankings: AFC North Continues to Vault Up the Rankings

I think we have an early season favorite for the best division in football.

There are currently three teams in the AFC North division with at least four wins, and they can potentially secure both Wild Card spots by seasons end.

Let’s review the week that was in the ultra competitive AFC North:

3. Baltimore Ravens (4-1)

The Ravens seemingly find a different way to win every week. In a 29-14 win over the Texans, they put up over 400 yards of offense as QB Joe Flacco got back on track.

The defense is ranked in the top seven against both the pass and the rush.

Already with the tiebreaker against the Steelers, the Ravens are currently in cruise control to a division title and home-field advantage in the postseason.

Next Up: At Jacksonville Jaguars

9. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)

The Steelers defense has proven they’re still more than capable. Right now Pittsburgh has the top ranked defense in the NFL.

Yet the uncharacteristic amount of turnovers is a reason for concern. If QB Ben Roethlisberger continues to give the ball away at the rate he currently is…this top 10 ranking may not last.

On the other hand, the O-Line is getting better and the defense is getting healthier for the reigning AFC champs.

Next Up: At Arizona Cardinals

11. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)

The Bengals are one of the biggest surprises in the NFL right now and deserve a ton of respect. Sure their schedule is one of the easiest in the league, but there is no denying that QB Andy Dalton is the real deal.

His ability to adapt so quickly to a new offense without an offseason is incredible. AJ Green is a future Pro Bowler, and the defense is currently ranked second in the NFL. The team is young, hungry and distraction free after the Carson Palmer trade.

The Bengals are legit.

Next Up: Bye Week

23. Cleveland Browns (2-3)

The ugly stepchild of the division, the Browns have a decent defense and little else. They don’t have any playmakers on offense, and the Peyton Hillis drama is an extremely unnecessary distraction.

This is the one team that is dragging down this top-notch division.

Eric Ball’s Week 7 Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers

2. New England Patriots

3. Baltimore Ravens

4. San Diego Chargers

5. San Francisco 49ers

6. New Orleans Saints

7. Detroit Lions

8. Buffalo Bills

9. Pittsburgh Steelers

10. New York Giants

11. Cincinnati Bengals

12. Oakland Raiders

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

14. Tennessee Titans

15. Houston Texans

16. Washington Redskins

17. Chicago Bears

18. Dallas Cowboys

19. Atlanta Falcons

20. Philadelphia Eagles

21. New York Jets

22. Seattle Seahawks

23. Cleveland Browns

24. Kansas City Chiefs

25. Jacksonville Jaguars

26. Arizona Cardinals

27. Carolina Panthers

28. Minnesota Vikings

29. Denver Broncos

30. Indianapolis Colts

31. St. Louis Rams

32. Miami Dolphins