AFC North Preview: Week 5

Cincinnati Bengals (1-2-1)

Led by rookie QB Joe Burrow, the Bengals got their first win of the season last week against the Jaguars. They now get a shot at the reigning AFC North champs in Baltimore.

Burrow has impressed by all measures through the first four weeks of the season, but he has yet to face a defense like the Ravens will welcome him with on Sunday. How well the rookie responds will determine if Cincinnati can hang around and give Baltimore a run for their money.

CB Mackensie Alexander and WR John Ross III are listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game on the injury report. RB Joe Mixon is listed as questionable. DT Geno Atkins will make his long-awaited return and season debut this week.

Baltimore Ravens (3-1)

The Ravens will play their second divisional opponent of the season on Sunday when the Bengals come to M&T Bank Stadium.

QB Lamar Jackson missed two practices in a row this week, first with a knee injury and then with an illness. Jackson is expected to play against Cincinnati, however. Baltimore’s offense has to find it’s groove this season and could be without starting RG Tyre Phillips on Sunday against a tough defensive line.

Phillips is listed as doubtful on the injury report while Jackson, TE Nick Boyle, CB Marcus Peters, CB Jimmy Smith, DT Broderick Washington, WR Marquise Brown, S Anthony Levine Sr., WR Chris Moore, LT Ronnie Stanley, DT Justin Madubuike, DE Derek Wolfe, and TE Mark Andrews are all listed as questionable, although most are expected to play.

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0)

After an unexpected postponement to their Week 4 game against the Titans due to a COVID-19 outbreak among Tennessee players and staff, the Steelers return to action against the Eagles this Sunday.

Pittsburgh will look to remain in the lead of the AFC North after starting the season 3-0. The ferocious pass rush of the Steelers will look to feast on QB Carson Wentz. Wentz has been sacked 14 times this season behind an injured and struggling offensive line that is now also without LT Jason Peters. Wentz has struggled with turnovers so far this season, and Pittsburgh has a knack for creating them on defense.

LB Marcus Allen and FB Derek Watt have both have been ruled out for Sunday.

Cleveland Browns (3-1)

After a disastrous first game of the season, the Browns have won three straight and appear to be one of the tougher teams the AFC has to offer. Cleveland now has a chance to prove without a doubt that they belong with the best as they take on the 3-1 Colts this week.

Losing RB Nick Chubb for several weeks with an MCL injury is a big blow to the offense, but the Browns still have one of the league’s best at the position in Kareem Hunt. With the rushing attack being the driving force of the offense thus far this season, Hunt will have a chance to remind everyone just how good he is.

DE Adrian Clayborn and S Karl Joseph are both listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup while DT Larry Ogunjobi, CB Greedy Williams, and LB Tae Davis were all ruled out. TE David Njoku will make his return after landing on injured reserve following Week 1.