NFL Power Rankings: Division rankings

NFL Power Rankings - Seattle Seahawks fullback Derrick Coleman (40, right) celebrates his 15-yard touchdown reception with tackle Russell Okung (76) during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine watches from the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the game, 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

6) AFC North

It wasn’t a disastrous opening weekend for the AFC North, but at the same time, there wasn’t a great deal to get excited about. All four teams matched up in division games, with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals emerging with narrow victories. However, the Steelers coughed up a massive lead to the somewhat hapless Cleveland Browns (with apologies to the great Brian Hoyer), and the Bengals never looked particularly dominant during their 23-16 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

Cincinnati is considered the favorite in the division after a myriad of recent playoff appearances, but the jury is out on Andy Dalton, and that keeps their ceiling relatively low. The Ravens and Steelers are always a factor, but Baltimore is battling running back issues in the wake of the Ray Rice situation (in addition to a defense with many holes) and the Steelers are seemingly always in a muck with regard to their offensive line.

Then, there are the Browns. Johnny Manziel isn’t walking through that door (yet), newly-acquired RB Ben Tate is already hurt, Cleveland doesn’t have a go-to wide receiver, and they surrendered a ton of early points to the Pittsburgh offense. Yikes.

The North isn’t a complete disaster, but without a certain Super Bowl contender and with the Browns struggling, they land here.

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