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Baltimore Ravens v Pittsburgh SteelersGetty Images Sport
Alastair Talbot

NFL Thanksgiving Week Grades AFC North: How have the Steelers juggled their quarterback situation? Are the Ravens still the team to beat? Do the Bengals and Browns still have hope??

How have the teams in the AFC North performed as we enter the final stretch of the season?

The AFC North has been one of the most competitive divisions this season, with some surprising performances and a few teams dealing with underwhelming seasons. From the Pittsburgh Steelers' revamped offense to the Baltimore Ravens' high-scoring attack and the struggles of the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, there's no shortage of drama. Here's a look at how each team in the division has fared so far:

GOAL evaluates each team's performance so far, considering both their results and expectations for the final stretch of the season.

  • Dallas Cowboys v Pittsburgh SteelersGetty Images Sport

    Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)

    Mike Tomlin’s quarterback dilemma has been solved with a unique solution—Justin Fields and Russell Wilson now lead the offense. Wilson has reignited Pittsburgh’s deep passing game, while Fields has added a dynamic dimension.

    Najee Harris continues to be a force on the ground, and the defense remains one of the league's most reliable units. This combination of improved offense and solid defense has the Steelers playing their best football at just the right time.

    Pittsburgh seemed to be riding a massive wave of momentum that made them look like one of the best teams in the AFC thanks to a five-game winning streak before a snow filled defeat to the Cleveland Browns showed there are still chinks in the armor of the Black ands Gold.

    Grade: A-

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  • Baltimore Ravens v Kansas City ChiefsGetty Images Sport

    Baltimore Ravens (8-4)

    John Harbaugh’s squad has been nearly unstoppable on offense, with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry each having All-Pro seasons. The Ravens lead the NFL in points per game, but their defense has been a concern, giving up 31 offensive touchdowns through 12 games—more than the 24 they allowed in all of 2023.

    If Baltimore is to defend its division title and attempt to finally secure a Super Bowl trophy for Jackson & co., significant improvements are needed on the defensive side of the ball.

    Following a loss to the Steelers in a hard-fought divisional battle, Baltimore was able to respond nicely with a win over the Los Angeles Chargers in the third addition of the Harbaugh Bowl.

    Grade: B+

  • Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals Getty images

    Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)

    After finishing last in the AFC North with a 9-8 record last year, despite Joe Burrow missing the final seven games of the season, the Bengals have struggled this season.

    Burrow is having a solid campaign, but the defense has regressed, and the team has already dropped four games in which they scored over 30 points.

    Ja'Marr Chase continues to dominate, but the ground game remains an issue, ranking them in the bottom tier of league.

    Furthermore, Tee Higgins likely departure at the end of the season still looms over the Bengals head like a dark cloud.

    Grade: C-

  • Cleveland Browns v New Orleans SaintsGetty Images Sport

    Cleveland Browns (3-8)

    Expectations were high for the Browns entering 2024 after an 11-6 playoff season, but they've been a major disappointment so far.

    Kevin Stefanski has worked hard to keep the team competitive, but Deshaun Watson’s struggles and subsequent season-ending injury have left a huge void.

    With eight losses already, this team has taken a significant step back, and playoff hopes may as have been shipped off to next year.

    Grade: D