While we appreciate the entire NFL all we really care about is the AFC North! We provide AFC North NFL standings on a weekly basis, including all teams’ upcoming games for the week. This resource provides a clear overview of each team’s wins, losses, and ties, allowing you to track the division’s developments. Whether you’re a passionate fan or just curious about the AFC North’s progress, this source keeps you updated on the division’s dynamics and upcoming games.
In Week 3, the AFC North nearly achieved a complete sweep of wins. The Baltimore Ravens, who had been the sole undefeated team in the division heading into the weekend, experienced their first defeat. On the flip side, the remaining three teams all emerged victorious, resulting in a three-way tie for the top spot in the standings, with each team holding a 2-1 record.
The Cincinnati Bengals notched their first win of the season in a hard-fought Monday night contest against the Los Angeles Rams. While Cincinnati’s offense displayed consistency, their defense delivered its strongest performance of the year so far.
During the first half, the Bengals advanced past midfield multiple times but settled for three field goal attempts, successfully converting two of them. They punted on four other first-half possessions, including two three-and-outs. However, they turned the tide early in the third quarter, erasing a three-point deficit by scoring 10 consecutive points, kick-started by an impressive 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive.
Cincinnati’s defense continued to stifle the Rams in the second half. While the Bengals went on a 13-0 offensive run, they also secured an interception and forced the Rams into three consecutive three-and-out possessions. The Rams struggled on third downs, converting only 1 of 11 attempts, and the Bengals sacked Matthew Stafford six times, resulting in a total loss of 46 yards.
Ja’Marr Chase had a breakout performance, recording his first standout showing of the season. He caught 12 of 15 targets for 141 yards, with a long reception covering 43 yards. Despite concerns about his nagging calf injury, Joe Burrow threw the ball 49 times, accumulating 259 yards but also throwing one interception.
The Ravens experienced a surprising upset loss on their home turf, missing a chance to maintain their unbeaten record in anticipation of two upcoming divisional showdowns. Despite having numerous opportunities to seize control against the Colts, the Ravens grappled with turnovers early on and struggled to generate sufficient offense when they needed both yardage and points.
Baltimore’s initial 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive failed to predict another strong offensive performance. They failed to score again until the late stages of the third quarter, enduring four punts and two fumbles in the interim while being outscored 13-7.
The Ravens briefly regained a three-point lead in the waning moments, but the Colts responded, evening the score at 19-19. Justin Tucker’s 61-yard field goal attempt to secure victory in regulation fell short. In overtime, the Ravens went three-and-out and surrendered possession on downs.
Their final offensive play culminated in an incomplete pass from Lamar Jackson to Zay Flowers, with a conspicuous defensive pass interference by Colts’ linebacker E.J. Speed going uncalled. While a correct call might have altered the outcome, the Ravens committed too many costly mistakes leading up to that point. To compound matters, several starters suffered injuries during the game, adding to the challenge as they had already entered Sunday’s contest with nearly 10 starters sidelined.
The Steelers secured their second consecutive primetime victory, advancing their record to 2-1. This time around, their success was not solely reliant on their defense but rather showcased a more balanced team effort.
After initially trailing 7-0, the Steelers swiftly countered with an impressive 72-yard touchdown reception by wide receiver Calvin Austin. Following this pivotal moment, they never relinquished the lead.
From midway through the second quarter through the late third quarter, the Steelers orchestrated four consecutive scoring drives, accumulating 16 unanswered points and establishing a substantial advantage. During this period, their defense compelled the opposition to punt three times and secured two interceptions.
Towards the end of the game, Pittsburgh’s offense experienced a slowdown, registering three consecutive punts, while the Raiders mounted a late comeback attempt that ultimately fell short. Despite being outperformed offensively for the third consecutive game and facing difficulties in the rushing department with a mere 3.4 yards per carry (YPC), the Steelers’ offensive output proved sufficient.
This was largely due to their defense once again forcing multiple turnovers. The electrifying 72-yard touchdown catch by Calvin Austin and George Pickens’ impressive 75-yard performance, which featured a 32-yard reception, injected much-needed vitality into the Steelers’ passing game.
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