AFC North Preview: Week 3

Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0)

The Steelers improved to 2-0 after holding off the Broncos in a 26-21 win. Pittsburgh will look to prove that they belong with the top dogs in the AFC as they face off against the winless Texans this Sunday.

The Steelers have one of the league’s best pass rushes through two weeks, led by All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt. Houston’s offensive line has struggled immensely to start the season, so Pittsburgh should have no issues getting to quarterback Deshaun Watson. On offense, QB Ben Roethlisberger will face little resistance from a weak Texans’ secondary.

No players listed on the injury report are expected to miss Sunday’s game for the Steelers.

Cleveland Browns (1-1)

The Browns rebounded in Week 2 with their 35-30 win on Thursday Night Football against the Bengals. QB Baker Mayfield silenced his critics for at least a week with a strong performance against Cincinnati. Mayfield will face a much tougher defense this week, however, in the form of the Washington Football Team.

Cleveland’s revamped offensive line will be pushed to the limit by Washington’s ferocious defensive line led by rookie second-overall pick Chase Young. Defensively, the Browns will have their hands full with wide receiver Terry McLaurin if cornerback Denzel Ward is unable to play.

Linebacker Mack Wilson and defensive end Adrian Clayborn join Ward as questionable on the injury report. DE Olivier Vernon, LB Jacob Phillips, and CB Greedy Williams have all been ruled out. CB Kevin Johnson will make his return after missing the first two games.

Cincinnati Bengals (0-2)

Despite starting the season 0-2, Cincinnati has given fans hope for the first time in years in the form of rookie QB Joe Burrow behind center. The Bengals will look to get their first win of the season against a struggling Eagles team this Sunday.

Cincinnati’s offensive line must do a better job of protecting Burrow, although they will face a tough challenge against Philadelphia’s stout defensive line, although defensive tackle Fletcher Cox is listed as questionable for the Eagles.

DT Mike Daniels and safety Shawn Williams are both listed as questionable while Geno Atkins has been ruled out for the third week in a row.

Baltimore Ravens (2-0)

After starting the season 2-0 with two dominant victories, the Ravens will now face what will potentially be their toughest opponent of the entire regular season as they square off against the Chiefs on Monday Night Football.

Baltimore has lost to Kansas City in consecutive years. The Ravens have a much different defense this time around, however, with the additions of All-Pro CB Marcus Peters, All-Pro DE Calais Campbell, rookie LB Patrick Queen, and the return of CB Jimmy Smith to the lineup. Baltimore’s elite secondary will be pushed to the limit against QB Patrick Mahomes, TE Travis Kelce, and WR Tyreek Hill, especially after losing nickelback Tavon Young for the season with a torn ACL. The Ravens will have to score consistently on offense as well in order to have a chance at defeating the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Rookie DT Justin Madubuike, WR Chris Moore, and S Anthony Levine Sr. are questionable for Monday’s matchup.