If 2020 hasn’t been crazy enough, the NFL provided us even more madness. Baltimore met their kryptonite, the Cleveland Browns are over 500 for the first time in 6 years, the Steelers are contenders per usual, and the Bengals are the Bengals. The AFC North is shaping up to be the most competitive division in football. Before the season, I predicted the Steelers, Ravens, and Browns would make the playoffs. So far, so good.
Pittsburgh Steelers
It was an all-around game for the black and yellow in a 28-21 win. What a difference Big Ben makes. He threw for 237 yards and 2 TDs, James Cooner ran for 108 yards and a TD. The Steelers defense held the Texans running game under 100 yards. The victory at Heinz Field wasn’t always pretty, but a 3-0 record left fans feeling great heading into Week 4. Their week 4 matchup against the 3-0 Tennessee Titans will be the first against a team with a win. For the Titians, they will be without several players due to them testing positive for COVID-19.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens know they have to go through the Chefs to reach the Super Bowl. After the Ravens blew out their past two opponents, they were at the end of a good beatdown. The game was a shocking result of the week ending 34-20. The Monday night showdown was seen as a possible game of the year, but it was for not. The Ravens couldn’t get any semblance of offense going. Lamar Jackson had under 100 yards passing. The Ravens have lite up the league since Jackson has taken over as a starter but against the Chiefs, they are 0-3. The Steelers fans are happy with the outcome with a one-game led. The loss also hurts because the playoff layout only provides one bye, this game that could make the difference. Up next for the Ravens are the Washington Football Team.
Cleveland Browns
After being embarrassed in Week 1 by the Ravens, the Browns have bounced back with two straight wins. They seem to finally have found a plan that works in a 34-20 win. Mayfield threw for less than 200 yards but had no turnovers. The intermediate pass game and a strong running game for clock control seem to be the receipt for success. Turnover prone Dwayne Haskins and The Washington Football Team certainly helped the Browns efforts with three interceptions. Odell Beckham still can take the top off the defense and the play-action will become a bigger part of the offense moving forward. The Browns go against the Cowboys in Dallas this weekend.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Eagles vs Bengals game was ugly from start to finish but Joe Burrow played solid as he has all year. The game ended in a 23-23 tie, Burrow threw for 312 yards and two touchdowns. He certainly has not been the reason why the Bengals haven’t won. Burrow looks to be the leader at the quarterback position the team has longed for since Carson Palmer. The Bengals have to save him because the offensive has been an eyesore thus far. The line also hasn’t provided any running lanes for Joe Mixon who is one of the better running backs in the AFC. The Bengals open the doors to the Jaguars in Cincinnati Sunday.
