The AFC North continues to be one of the most unpredictable divisions in the NFL. In Week 7, the Steelers fell to the Bengals on the road in a nail-biting Thursday Night Football matchup decided by a last-second field goal. The Ravens enjoyed a much-needed bye week to regroup and get healthy for the stretch run, while the Browns gained a major confidence boost by shutting down the Dolphins’ high-powered offense and putting up an impressive 31 points.
Cincinnati Bengals:
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Offense: A
The Bengals were finally able to utilize their best weapon, Jamarr Chase, he was able to get whatever he wanted whenever he wanted. The Bengals offense as a whole was able to move the ball and they even got some explosiveness from Chase Brown which they have lacked all season. Joe Flacco completely changed this offense in just two games and it is exciting to see what he will do for the rest of the season.
Defense: C
The Bengals defense had a solid first half as they began the game slow but they eventually were able to do much better in the rest of the first half. The defense fell apart in the second half, the pass rush seemed to be nonexistent and the secondary had many lapses in coverage. The Bengals can continue to work on schematic fits for their defensive front to work in tandem with their secondary.
Overall: B+
The Bengals finally got a really good win against a solid team, the Bengals had a strong showing on both sides of the ball and were able to show at least strong signs on defense. The Bengals earn a B+ overall because they got a good win at home where they did what they had to do to get the victory.
Cleveland Browns:
Sep 14, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) drops back to pass during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Offense: B
The Browns were able to put points on the board but they were inefficient in the passing attack and the rushing attack. The defense put them in a great spot to score points many times off interceptions, this does not take away from the Browns, but they would have struggled a lot more if they had to do the work on their own. Judkins put up an encouraging 3 touchdowns and looked overall really solid
Defense: A
The defense was the star unit throughout the entire NFL on Sunday, they were able to be in Tua’s face all game, causing him to make dumb mistakes and put the Browns in perfect position. The Browns pass rush and secondary were working together perfectly, it was nearly impossible for the Dolphins to consistently move the ball.Â
Overall: A-
The Browns had by far their best showing of the year, handling business against a bad team at home, but this goes a long way for a struggling team like Cleveland. The Browns have a lot to build on and their fans should be excited to see what they can do for the rest of the season. They earned an A-, the only thing they could have improved was their offensive efficiency.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Sep 21, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) makes a pass during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Offense: B
The Steelers offense looked really explosive at times, and at other times they looked like they were unable to move the ball and finish drives. This inconsistency throughout the game is what led to their downfall, they could have easily put up 40 points, but Rodgers’ mistakes in the middle of the game caused them to have a strong downfall. The Steelers have a lot more talent on offense than people may think but they need to put it all together and build on the small victories of scoring touchdowns and field goals, stringing them together.Â
Defense: D
The defense was simply atrocious, there is no reason to be giving up 16 receptions and 160 yards to any player, let alone the one guy who can not beat you on the opposing team. Jamarr Chase and Joe Flacco killed the Steelers through the air and were able to get whatever they wanted. The Bengals picked apart the Steelers secondary and they were unable to do much about it at all.
Overall: D+
The Steelers earn a D+ overall because they lost against a team they should beat 9 out of 10 times. The defense really held them back this game, but the offense did not make it any easier for the defense because they turned the ball over 2 times. The Steelers have a lot to work on, all the pieces of a great team are there, they are just struggling to put it all together at once.
Baltimore Ravens:
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium – Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Hopefully for the Ravens and their fans, Lamar Jackson will return and the team will begun to improve.
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