NFL Power Rankings Week 12: AFC North Won't Get Any Less Cluttered

Three AFC North teams, the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, are separated by only one game. Three teams being that close after 10 games is pretty significant. Having seen all of these teams play this season, don't look for it to change. 

These teams are not only similar in record, but they are mirror images of each other. While not impossible, each would have a hard time winning a game where they were required to score more than about 20-24 points. Fortunately, each team has a defense that keeps games in that margin.

With all due respect to the 4-6 Cleveland Browns, it's tough to see them making a run. However, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't take a look at those other three teams to examine their chances.

Baltimore Ravens

Every game the Ravens have played this year against good teams, they have won. Their problem has been keeping their focus against weaker teams. The Ravens' record in those games is nowhere near as good. So, instead of 9-1 or even 10-0, they sit at 7-3.

Despite having swept the Steelers, they are nowhere near guaranteed to win the division. 

Still, this is the team I would go with to win it. The Ravens will have the tiebreaker over the Steelers, and win one win against Cincinnati they are in good position to get that as well.

Ultimately, that's just too much to overcome. 

Predicted finishing record: 11-5

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers tend to do very well in the playoffs, so, while I am predicting the Ravens will finish ahead of them and win the division, I would go with the Steelers to win a playoff game. 

With playoff wins after the 2001, 2008 and 2010 seasons, it's hard to go against Pittsburgh in a playoff game. 

Still, when looking at the rest of the season, I see a similar record to what the Ravens will produce. As a matter of fact, I like a 4-2 finish.

Predicted finishing record: 11-5

Cincinnati Bengals

Call me predictable if you want to, but I am looking at another 4-2 finish. I like their chances against the Browns, Rams and Cardinals and would be surprised if they lost to the Texans, and in rematches to both the Steelers and Ravens.

I genuinely like this team. Its defense is one of the best units in the game and the combination of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green gives them a great offensive cornerstone that makes the Bengals the team to beat in this division's future.

For now, they will have to settle for a wild-card spot. I have them and the Jets finishing with the same record, so who wins what games and earns the tiebreaker will be important.

Predicted finishing record: 10-6

Michael Dixon's Week 12 NFL Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers	10-0
2. San Francisco 49ers	9-1
3. New Orleans Saints	7-3
4. New England Patriots	7-3
5. Chicago Bears	7-3
6. Baltimore Ravens	7-3
7. Houston Texans	7-3
8. Pittsburgh Steelers	7-3
9. Detroit Lions	7-3
10. Dallas Cowboys	6-4
11. Oakland Raiders	6-4
12. Atlanta Falcons	6-4
13. New York Giants	6-4
14. Cincinnati Bengals	6-4
15. Denver Broncos	5-5
16. New York Jets	5-5
17. Tennessee Titans	5-5
18. Buffalo Bills	5-5
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers	4-6
20. San Diego Chargers	4-6
21. Philadelphia Eagles	4-6
22. Kansas City Chiefs	4-6
23. Seattle Seahawks	4-6
24. Cleveland Browns	4-6
25. Miami Dolphins	3-7
26. Jacksonville Jaguars	3-7
27. Arizona Cardinals	3-7
28. Washington Redskins	3-7
29. Carolina Panthers	2-8
30. Minnesota Vikings	2-8
31. St. Louis Rams	2-8
32. Indianapolis Colts	0-10