Browns Win, But Gain No Ground In AFC North

Week 7 has come and gone and we take a look at the best division in football, the AFC North.

What a wild weekend in the AFC North. We have known for a while that this division is one of the top in football and after Sunday, that statement rings true.

You pick your weekend headliner:

• Cleveland Wins in Dramatic Fashion
• Baltimore Stomps the Lions
• Steelers Steal One in LA

Each team in the AFC North is pretty legit and the North is most definitely the best division in football bar none. 

Oct 22, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) celebrates his touchdown with teammates in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

After seven weeks of action, the North is the only division that does not have a team with a losing record. And truthfully, the team with the worst record, Cincinnati, could arguably have the best chance to make a playoff run. The talent level in the division is off the charts and will make the home stretch of the year fun to watch.

Last week, I called my shot saying that the Browns were in the driver's seat of the division coming off of their improbable victory over San Francisco. That prediction was made in my fairy tale land where Detroit pulled off an upset in Baltimore and the Steelers came back down to earth in LA. Neither of those happened and frankly, the opposite took place.

Starting in Baltimore, it appears that the Ravens have gotten the offense figured out. Two weeks ago after their loss in Pittsburgh, quarterback Lamar Jackson said that he felt the offense was "so close" and was capable of "scoring 40." I scoffed at this, but No. 8 was spot on. 

Oct 22, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) is pressured by Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports / © Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sport

They clicked better than they ever had in Lamar's career and he looks to be back in his MVP form. Could the addition of offensive coordinator Todd Monken be one of the best off-season hires in the NFL? 

In Los Angeles, the Steelers pulled off another bizarre victory over the Rams. They needed Rams' kicker Brett Maher to miss three field goals and for them to get a 4th down gift from the referees in order to get the win. 

Oct 22, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Connor Heyward (83) carries the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / © Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

One positive thing about Pittsburgh is that their offense appears to have found something with the return of Dionte Johnson. He brings a spark to that group that just hasn't been there. Surprise, Mike Tomlin has this group believing.

All of that is to say that the Browns have their hands full. Sitting at 4-2 at Week 7 usually puts you in a good position. This year, 4-2 has you on the outside looking in.