Who takes the AFCN?

[Crow-Magnon]

I’m a little behind this year. I normally ask this mid-August or so.

I so want to say the Ravens, but I have this feeling that Cincy may come out on top again. If Dobbins, Gus and Stanley were good to go Sunday, I may have felt different. But they’re not 100% (or still on PUP).

My heart says:

Ravens
Bengals
Steelers
Browns

My head says:

Bengals
Ravens
Steelers
Browns

[Born2Steel]

The Ravens will have the easiest road with the last place schedule. If only a middle of the pack defense and a decent run game they should finish with a good record and most likely in the playoffs. I think they will be there with a chance to take it.

The Bengals have the ability to win the division but holding that focus is just so hard. I think they fall a bit this season.

The Browns get Watson just in time for week 12, but I think that will be too late to save the season with only 3-4 wins at that point.

The Steelers will start slow. Possibly 4-4 at the bye. But 8-1/7-2 after the bye is very possible.

1. Steelers
2. Ravens
3. Bengals
4. Browns

[DesertSteel]

1. Bengals
2. Steelers
3. Browns
4. Ravens

[polamalubeast]

My head says the Ravens if they are healthy

[Mojouw]

Ravens if they stay health, Hamilton is good, and Linderbaum isn’t overwhelmed.

If those three don’t happen, then Bengals.

[86WARD]

Ravens
Steelers
Browns
Bengals

[DuckHodges]

Steelers brah

[Steeler-in-west]

Burrow is the best QB in the division and the bengals seem to have shored up the O line.

[Born2Steel]

Burrow is the best QB in the division and the bengals seem to have shored up the O line.

We will see today when Cam and TJ come calling. Might even be a Devin Bush sighting today.

[polamalubeast]

1.Ravens



The rest

[EzraTank]

1.Ravens



The rest

This, especially if TJ is out for the year and our ONLY offensive lineman Cole.

- - - Updated - - -


Burrow is the best QB in the division and the bengals seem to have shored up the O line.

He didn't look it today.

[DuckHodges]

I'm a little less optimistic if TJ watt is out for weeks. It's not the same defense with him out of the lineup

[86WARD]

Ravens
Steelers
Browns
Bengals

Steelers
Ravens
Browns
Bengals

[Dwinsgames]

Burrow is the best QB in the division and the bengals seem to have shored up the O line.

that didnt age well ( in short order )

[Crow-Magnon]

that didnt age well ( in short order )

Meh. It’s Week 1. Last year, the Packers started with a blowout 38-3 loss to the Saints. Many were ready to write them off. They reeled off seven straight W’s and ended up 14-3. Burrow had a bad game. But he’s a good QB and will rebound.

[Steeler-in-west]

I still think Burrow is the best QB in the division, the Steelers D just played a great game. We have a monster pass rush and real ballhawks in the backfield. Will give any QB trouble.

[polamalubeast]

Best team of the AFC North are the.......?

[EzraTank]

I have to still go with Bengals.

[DuckHodges]

Ravens imo, though it's close between them and the Bengals. Cleveland would be solid but their defense is trash.

[DesertSteel]

Division really sucks. Pickett leads the Steelers to the AFCN crown on the way to ROY.

And BTW, the defense is a different animal when the beast comes back in a couple weeks.

[Crow-Magnon]

Week 4 and Stains in first. What a crazy world!

[Mojouw]

Ravens.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Born2Steel]

No team is playing good football now and with 13 games left to play. Still anybody's title to take so why wouldn't I still believe the Steelers can win it? Lose by 3, lose by 6 if not for the last play trying to pull off a Stanford band play, then lose by 4. Could be 0-4/could be 4-0 right now. Landed at 1-3 but this team is improving.

[Steeler-in-west]

Bengals are still the favorite, but the Pickett era has begun, that could throw another monkey wrench into the race

[DuckHodges]

Bengals are still the favorite, but the Pickett era has begun, that could throw another monkey wrench into the race

And if Watt returns early, and we can win at least a couple games without him

[Born2Steel]

And if Watt returns early, and we can win at least a couple games without him

THAT is the monkey on our backs. 0-7 when TJ does not play. Have to break that streak. I think it's coming though.

[DesertSteel]

THAT is the monkey on our backs. 0-7 when TJ does not play. Have to break that streak. I think it's coming though.
Just probably not against the Bills.

[Steeler-in-west]

And if Watt returns early, and we can win at least a couple games without him

yeah, he’s the difference between a great defense and a good one

- - - Updated - - -


THAT is the monkey on our backs. 0-7 when TJ does not play. Have to break that streak. I think it's coming though.

that 0-7 record is because the defense has been carrying a crappy offense the last 2-3 years

[EzraTank]

I'll be shocked if we get another win before the BYE. But the NFL is so fickle we could get 3 more.

[DuckHodges]

I'll be shocked if we get another win before the BYE. But the NFL is so fickle we could get 3 more.

I honestly think they can steal 1 or 2. Which ones, I don't know. But they will.

Bucs and Dolphins will be tough ones, but I can see those as possibilities. Bucs don't look so great this year (& playing at home helps), and the Dolphins might be without Tua possibly for an extended time. It wouldn't surprise me with all the drama surrounding it. With Bridgewater at QB their offense looks as bad as ours with Mitch at QB.

Though I'm chalking up @Philadelphia as an automatic loss since we ALWAYS lose there.

[polamalubeast]

The Browns will face the chargers without Myles Garrett again and the Bengals and the ravens will face each other on sunday

The ravens have lost their last 5 home games and the bengals did not face a single average QB at least so far this year

[teegre]

A: Steelers

[polamalubeast]

1.3-3 Ravens
2.3-3 Bengals
3.Likely 2-4 Browns
4.2-4 Steelers

Still have a chance....

[Rotorhead]

If we can steal one more game before the bye (Miami possibly) we will still have a chance.

[86WARD]

If we can steal one more game before the bye (Miami possibly) we will still have a chance.

https://media3.giphy.com/media/1BXa2alBjrCXC/giphy.gif

[Rotorhead]

It’s not like anyone else is lighting up the division right now

[Born2Steel]

Who WANTS the AFCN?

[polamalubeast]

Who WANTS the AFCN?

The Browns and the Ravens will play each other next week!

[Born2Steel]

The Browns and the Ravens will play each other next week!

And?

[polamalubeast]

And?

Huge game for the AFC north...If the Browns lose this game,maybe they will be out

[Born2Steel]

Huge game for the AFC north...If the Browns lose this game,maybe they will be out

IF....The Browns and the Ravens stick to their run games and stop with the idiocy, it would be an entertaining game. I don't know if the Browns defense can stop anyone right now, and the Ravens defense is playing only slightly better.

- - - Updated - - -

PLUS...nobody is out after week6 of 17.

[polamalubeast]

PLUS...nobody is out after week6 of 17.

Maybe not out but this is still a huge hole to be at 2-5

[Born2Steel]

Maybe not out but this is still a huge hole to be at 2-5

Let's say the Browns win...

Browns 3-4
Ravens 3-4
Bengals somehow lose at to the Falcons at home 3-4
Steelers win at Miami 3-4

So many scenarios could happen but this would make me ask my question again. Who WANTS the AFCN?

[polamalubeast]

Let's say the Browns win...

Browns 3-4
Ravens 3-4
Bengals somehow lose at to the Falcons at home 3-4
Steelers win at Miami 3-4

So many scenarios could happen but this would make me ask my question again. Who WANTS the AFCN?

No one?!

Seriously the Bengals and Ravens are the two best teams on paper but they are way too inconsistent right now...The Browns before today could have easily been at 4-1 but they lost too many games in crazy way

The Steelers offense is still horrible and the next two games are going to be a huge challenge on the road against Miami with Tua back and against the Eagles, a place the Steelers haven't won since the 1960s!

I'll stay with my pick before the season, the ravens

[Mojouw]

Everyone?

Wanting it has very little to do with it in the NFL. Hearts and smarts is useful but that doesn’t seem why these teams are struggling.

They each have major roster holes driven by injury or lack of talent.

[teegre]

A: Steelers

Ahem...

[polamalubeast]

The Bengals won 4 of their last 5 games.They are 4-3,same thing for the ravens....The Browns are now 2-5

[Edman]

Ravens and Bengals starting to pull away a bit.

[polamalubeast]

Ravens or Bengals

[Crow-Magnon]

As of now, based on play, I’d have to say Bengals. Baltimore is too inconsistent on offense and the D still scares me in the 4th quarter.

[EzraTank]

Bengals started slow but now are looking more like the team that had the SB run. The rest of the division is so bad to mediocre it's theirs to lose.

[polamalubeast]

Not a good news for the bengals

1585732073486163969

[Born2Steel]

Not a good news for the bengals

1585732073486163969

Terrible news for the Bengals. Rivalry aside, I hope it's not too serious.

[DesertSteel]

Steelers will win the division!!

[Mojouw]

Terrible news for the Bengals. Rivalry aside, I hope it's not too serious.

I wish these never get hurt. I want to see elite guys do ridiculous things.

[polamalubeast]

I wish these never get hurt. I want to see elite guys do ridiculous things.

Same for me and Chase is fun to watch.Good thing he is likely to be back this year

[EzraTank]

If they lose him it would be the equivalent of losing AB in his prime.

[polamalubeast]

If they lose him it would be the equivalent of losing AB in his prime.

Yes but I think they can still survive...Just look at their schedule....Their next 4 week,they have the Browns,the panthers,bye week and the steelers

[EzraTank]

Yes but I think they can still survive...Just look at their schedule....Their next 4 week,they have the Browns,the panthers,bye week and the steelers

I meant more long term. Remember a hip injury ended Bo Jackson's career in his prime.

[j-d-s]

Steelers will win the division!!
We actually could. The record will probably be 9-8 anyways (or possibly 8-8-1) for Tomlin's .500 streak. I mean even in 2019 we finished 8-8 despite QBs like Duck Hodges...

[polamalubeast]

The Ravens are better that their record(5-3)..In the first 8 games,they had a double digit lead in each game and they had the chance to win every game.They just need to close the game better

[Born2Steel]

The Ravens are better that their record(5-3)..In the first 8 games,they had a double digit lead in each game and they had the chance to win every game.They just need to close the game better

Then say the same for the Steelers with multiple single digit losses that could be/should be more wins.

[polamalubeast]

Then say the same for the Steelers with multiple single digit losses that could be/should be more wins.

With a better offense,no doubt but the offense is just brutal

The Ravens had a big lead against the Dolphins and the Giants in the fourth quarter but they lost his games... They even had a 20-3 lead against the Bills at one point but they had a collapse...Sometimes things like that can be fixed during a season or stay all year like the steelers in 2009 and that was very frustrating!...We will see what will happen for the ravens for the rest of the year

In the case of the Steelers right now, the only collapse they had was in the game against the Jets....Other than that, they're as good as their record because of our offense.

[Born2Steel]

With a better offense,no doubt but the offense is just brutal

The Ravens had a big lead against the Dolphins and the Giants in the fourth quarter but they lost his games... They even had a 20-3 lead against the Bills at one point but they had a collapse...Sometimes things like that can be fixed during a season or stay all year like the steelers in 2009 and that was very frustrating!...We will see what will happen for the ravens for the rest of the year

In the case of the Steelers right now, the only collapse they had was in the game against the Jets....Other than that, they're as good as their record because of our offense.


AH...OK then.

[polamalubeast]

AH...OK then.

-78 in points differenciel for the steelers now and we can not said that this is because of one game.The steelers are as bad as their record,maybe even worst....

[Born2Steel]

-78 in points differenciel for the steelers now and we can not said that this is because of one game.The steelers are as bad as their record,maybe even worst....

2 substantial losses to the Bills and the Eagles. The rest games were within reach. Yes, even as bad as this team is playing. They could only have 2-3 losses with just a couple plays went differently.

- - - Updated - - -

Ravens beat the Buccs and Bengals. So did we.

Ravens lost to the Dolphins and Bills. So did we.

I’m not so oblivious to think we are as good a team right now as the Ravens. But your criteria was with just a few plays going differently the Ravens have fewer losses. I’m just saying apply that same criteria to the Steelers and it’s the same.

[polamalubeast]

2 substantial losses to the Bills and the Eagles. The rest games were within reach. Yes, even as bad as this team is playing. They could only have 2-3 losses with just a couple plays went differently.

- - - Updated - - -

Ravens beat the Buccs and Bengals. So did we.

Ravens lost to the Dolphins and Bills. So did we.

I’m not so oblivious to think we are as good a team right now as the Ravens. But your criteria was with just a few plays going differently the Ravens have fewer losses. I’m just saying apply that same criteria to the Steelers and it’s the same.

When you win so many close game like the steelers did last year,very often the next year is very different unless the teams become much better.Last year,the only reason why the steelers had a winning record was because they won almost every close game.They had a -55 points differencial last year despite their winning record

But when you look at the stats on offense and even on defense,this is just a awful team right now

[Born2Steel]

When you win so many close game like the steelers did last year,very often the next year is very different unless the teams become much better.Last year,the only reason why the steelers had a winning record was because they won almost every close game.They had a -55 points differencial last year despite their winning record

But when you look at the stats on offense and even on defense,this is just a awful team right now

All of that is true. But not on topic at all.

[cubanstogie]

2 substantial losses to the Bills and the Eagles. The rest games were within reach. Yes, even as bad as this team is playing. They could only have 2-3 losses with just a couple plays went differently.

- - - Updated - - -

Ravens beat the Buccs and Bengals. So did we.

Ravens lost to the Dolphins and Bills. So did we.

I’m not so oblivious to think we are as good a team right now as the Ravens. But your criteria was with just a few plays going differently the Ravens have fewer losses. I’m just saying apply that same criteria to the Steelers and it’s the same.
Not using stats or criteria, but by using eye test Ravens much better than Steelers. Although it’s usually won by a FG , I wouldn’t be surprised if Ravens win in blow outs both games. I’m usually a homer but Steelers are closer to being winless than .500, considering 5 turnovers and barely winning and Trubisky pulling out a comeback. Both huge aberrations.

[Born2Steel]

Not using stats or criteria, but by using eye test Ravens much better than Steelers. Although it’s usually won by a FG , I wouldn’t be surprised if Ravens win in blow outs both games. I’m usually a homer but Steelers are closer to being winless than .500, considering 5 turnovers and barely winning and Trubisky pulling out a comeback. Both huge aberrations.

And I agree the ravens are the better team right now. My point was PB said that the Ravens are better than their record but for only a few plays here or there. I was saying if you apply that logic to the Ravens, then apply it to the Steelers too. Won't make the Steelers a better team, but a few plays here or there and the record could be much better than it is. Why give one team that benefit?

[polamalubeast]

The ravens have trail for a total of under 3 minutes in their 3 losses......The Ravens have also been up by 10 points or more in every game this year.The steelers were more close to be 0-8 that 4-4.The ravens were more close to be 7-1 that 4-4

[polamalubeast]

1587164002735505408

[polamalubeast]

1587165275891318789

[86WARD]

Good deal for the Ravens.

[polamalubeast]

Smith is free agent after this year

[86WARD]

Smith is free agent after this year

Hes a player that can get the Ravens the division title and into the playoffs though.

[polamalubeast]

Hes a player that can get the Ravens the division title and into the playoffs though.

and maybe more!

[Crow-Magnon]

Getting back Tyus Bowser and David Ojabo, and now Roquan Smith is going to have a big impact on the Ravens defense.

Now…can the Stains beat the Bungles tonight? Cincy is already 0-2 in the division. 0-3 would be a big hole.

[cubanstogie]

And I agree the ravens are the better team right now. My point was PB said that the Ravens are better than their record but for only a few plays here or there. I was saying if you apply that logic to the Ravens, then apply it to the Steelers too. Won't make the Steelers a better team, but a few plays here or there and the record could be much better than it is. Why give one team that benefit?
I agree, I hate double standards more than you know! It’s crazy how one play changes things. Niners DB had easy pick to ice game against Rams but drops it. Rams go from elimination to SB champs.

[86WARD]

As a fan, father be in the Steelers situation right now then the Bengals situation.

[polamalubeast]

The injuries woes for the ravens continue this year even if this is not bad as last year so far

1588252592592879619

[Crow-Magnon]

Shame. But if Andrews misses significant time it will be a bigger blow. Bateman looks like he may turn into a pretty good WR, but it’s not like the Ravens are missing Ja ‘Marr Chase.

[teegre]

Steelers will win 7 of the next 9, end up 9-7… and win the AFC North.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Steelers will win 7 of the next 9, end up 9-7… and win the AFC North.

you meant 9-8.

https://i.etsystatic.com/29162274/c/1000/794/538/405/il/20f24d/4229600765/il_340x270.4229600765_521r.jpg

[pczach]

Steelers will win 7 of the next 9, end up 9-7… and win the AFC North.



17 game season brother.

I know you are a glass half-full kind of guy, so 10-7?:grin:

[teegre]

you meant 9-8.

https://i.etsystatic.com/29162274/c/1000/794/538/405/il/20f24d/4229600765/il_340x270.4229600765_521r.jpg

17 game season brother.

I know you are a glass half-full kind of guy, so 10-7?:grin:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=mKAnk2XVnDE

[polamalubeast]

The ravens don't have a team with a winning record right now for the rest of their schedule and they will likely have the tiebreaker over the bengals who are 0-3 against the AFC North

[polamalubeast]

1583563778087702529

[Born2Steel]

Anybody else find it odd that the 2 teams the Steelers beat so far are the Bengals and Buccs? Defending AFC champs and the Buccs lost in the NFC championship game.

[polamalubeast]

Anybody else find it odd that the 2 teams the Steelers beat so far are the Bengals and Buccs? Defending AFC champs and the Buccs lost in the NFC championship game.

Maybe but so far the Bengals are just 4-4 and the Bucs are 3-5.This is a new year

[Born2Steel]

Maybe but so far the Bengals are just 4-4 and the Bucs are 3-5.This is a new year

What are you saying? You expected that when you first looked at the schedule? I didn’t expect to get swept by the AFC East. That is a surprise to me.

[polamalubeast]

What are you saying? You expected that when you first looked at the schedule? I didn’t expect to get swept by the AFC East. That is a surprise to me.

Yes it's a surprise...I expected to lose against the Bills and the Dolphins but not against the Jets and the Pats

Before the season,for sure if someone would have told me we would be 2-6 and one of our wins would be against the Bucs with Tom Brady, I wouldn't have believed that, but the Bucs also lost to another 2-6 team the week after (Panthers), so right now we can't say the Bucs are a good team.But yeah it was still a huge upset especially with our depleted defense in this game

I would not be surprised if the steelers won at least 5 games in the second half of the season.The steelers schedule were just brutal in the first half.The schedule will be more soft in the second half.

[Rotorhead]

Well, with the Lions winning we are getting closer to the #1 pick

[pczach]

Well, with the Lions winning we are getting closer to the #1 pick



And the Bears losing keeps that second round pick they got for Claypool trending in the right direction as well.

[polamalubeast]

1589938776071360514

[Born2Steel]

Looking at the post-bye schedules, the Ravens should be favored in each of their remaining games. Just as I posted in my first response in this thread, a healthy Ravens with a 4th place schedule has to be the odds on favorite to win the division. I think they should.

That said, they have not been playing very smart football this season. We’ll see. The rest of their schedule is worse than ours. Which is beyond bad.

[polamalubeast]

The Ravens are almost a lock at this point

1590824009775841280

[Rotorhead]

Looking at the post-bye schedules, the Ravens should be favored in each of their remaining games. Just as I posted in my first response in this thread, a healthy Ravens with a 4th place schedule has to be the odds on favorite to win the division. I think they should.

That said, they have not been playing very smart football this season. We’ll see. The rest of their schedule is worse than ours. Which is beyond bad.

That is true, they seemed to have gotten away from the running game trying to make their QB a pocket passer, and he is not that.

[Born2Steel]

3-7 with 7 games to go I have not given up on the season as a whole, but I will concede the division title at this point. We are currently in a dead heat with the Browns for who finishes last in the division and we trail slightly by 1 head to head loss and a 45pt overall differential.

Yes all of that is disappointing and a bit depressing. But, that is what rebuilding looks like. Usually, and with some exceptions. While I do agree with many of you that the offense is in dire need of some leadership shake-up, I am not in favor of blowing the whole thing up and starting over. I am also not a fan of the 'everything and everyone sucks' mentality that has become the normal turn of conversation on here. As Steelers fans we have had it good for a very long time when compared to fans of most every other franchise. This dive into negativism and belly button staring and overall 'woe is me' needs to be taken back a step or 3. It's really turning into poor sportsmanship and just being a sore loser.

Never meaning posters aren't entitled to their opinions and free to express themselves. But turning every thread and every conversation into another 'fire everyone' rant should actually start getting some type of penalty. Throw the flag already.

Looking at remaining schedules and current positions within the division, my newest order of how things will finish:
1. Ravens 14-3/13-4
2. Steelers 8-9/9-8
3. Bengals 7-10/8-9
4. Browns 4-13/5-12

No, we will not tank for a higher draft position.

[teegre]

Great post.

[polamalubeast]

Not over between the Ravens and the bengals....

[86WARD]

Not over between the Ravens and the bengals AND STEELERS....

fixed it for you…

[Rotorhead]

Well the Ravens just lost again today, and Lamar looks terrible as a QB. It so frustrating cause if we had an average OC we would probably have 3-4 more wins right now.

[DesertSteel]

Well the Ravens just lost again today, and Lamar looks terrible as a QB. It so frustrating cause if we had an average OC we would probably have 3-4 more wins right now.
But don’t forget…. He’s still an MVP candidate.

[Born2Steel]

Unanimous picks for Eagles over Packers.

When they showed the playoffs picture they had the Colts as ‘in the hunt’ at 4-6-1. Steelers win tomorrow should put the Steelers ‘in the hunt’.

6of7 losses to AFC teams is tough though.

[teegre]

Steelers still get to play the Ravens twice. If the Steelers win those two, that’s 6 wins… reducing Baltimore’s lead by just one game. :nod:

[polamalubeast]

Steelers still get to play the Ravens twice. If the Steelers win those two, that’s 6 wins… reducing Baltimore’s lead by just one game. :nod:

Problem,the bengals are also at 7-4 with no game left against them....For the wildcard,this is very unlikely since the steelers don't have the tiebreaker over the jets,pats,etc

[DesertSteel]

I can realistically see the Steelers finishing 9-8, looking at their schedule. Won’t win the division, but could squeak into the wildcard. I give it a 20% chance.

[polamalubeast]

I can realistically see the Steelers finishing 9-8, looking at their schedule. Won’t win the division, but could squeak into the wildcard. I give it a 20% chance.

9-8 is likely won't be enough.....The tiebreaker will not be a good friend for the steelers this year...I am not sure if they finish at 10-7 will be enough

[polamalubeast]

The steelers are the second most lucky team in the NFL despite their 4-7 record according to this

1597600817292660736

[DuckHodges]

I can realistically see the Steelers finishing 9-8, looking at their schedule. Won’t win the division, but could squeak into the wildcard. I give it a 20% chance.

so you're telling me there's a chance...

[polamalubeast]

If you really believe in the chance to make the playoffs, it would be by winning the AFC north, since likely the steelers would have the tiebreaker over the Bengals and Ravens if they win all of their AFC north games for the rest of the year

For the wildcard, they don't have the tiebreaker over the Jets who are in the 7th seed right now....

[polamalubeast]

Every AFC north team win today but the Jets,Chargers and pats all lost this week