AFC North Week 4 Recap
Pittsburgh Steelers
Darron Cummings / AP Photo
The Indianapolis Colts (2-2) edged out the previously undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) in a thrilling 27-24 victory at Lucas Oil Stadium. After the Colts jumped to a commanding 17-0 lead, the Steelers fought back, clawing their way into the game with three straight touchdown drives. Pittsburgh’s defense pressured Indianapolis with two sacks and eight QB hits, but Colts' backup Joe Flacco remained poised, leading four scoring drives after Anthony Richardson exited with a hip injury. The Steelers had a chance to tie or win in the final minutes, but their comeback stalled just short as Indy’s defense held them out of field goal range. Wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs dominated for the Colts, while a red-zone fumble by Steelers' George Pickens proved costly in their bid for a comeback.
2. Baltimore Ravens
Stephanie Scarbrough / AP Photo
The Baltimore Ravens cruised to a dominant 35-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills, propelled by an explosive performance from Derrick Henry and a balanced attack from Lamar Jackson. Jumping to a 21-3 halftime lead, the Ravens capitalized on big plays, including two touchdown passes from Jackson to Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. Despite a brief Buffalo response in the third quarter, Jackson's 9-yard rushing touchdown and a fumble recovery by Patrick Ricard in the end zone sealed the win. Henry stole the show with 199 rushing yards and two total touchdowns, while Jackson added 156 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 54 rushing yards. Baltimore's defense stifled the Bills, holding them to just 3-of-13 on third downs and 237 total yards. OLB Kyle Van Noy continued his hot streak with two sacks, and Justice Hill shone as the team's top receiver with 78 yards and a score. The Ravens now sit at 3-1, ready for an AFC North showdown with the Bengals next week.
3. Cleveland Browns
John Kuntz / Cleveland.com
The Cleveland Browns fell to 1-3 after a frustrating 20-16 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite a promising start, with Deshaun Watson leading an opening drive touchdown and a 10-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, the Browns struggled to sustain their offensive momentum. Watson finished with 176 passing yards and a touchdown, but costly penalties, sacks, and an interception thwarted Cleveland's chances. A holding call wiped out a potential 82-yard touchdown pass to Amari Cooper, and Watson was sacked on fourth down at the Las Vegas 16-yard line, ending the Browns’ final drive. Defensively, Cleveland had trouble containing the Raiders’ ground game, allowing 153 rushing yards and several long runs, but a fourth-quarter fumble recovery by Rodney McLeod brought them within four points. Ultimately, Cleveland's rally fell short as missed opportunities haunted them. Myles Garrett notched two sacks in a strong defensive effort, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. The Browns now face a must-win scenario as they continue their road trip against the 3-1 Washington Commanders next week.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
Jim Dedmon / Imagn Images
The Cincinnati Bengals earned their first win of the season, beating the Carolina Panthers 34-24 in a game they couldn't afford to lose. Joe Burrow showed his poise, throwing for 232 yards and two touchdowns, while Chase Brown added 80 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. Ja’Marr Chase also had a much-needed standout moment, breaking tackles and racing 63 yards for a spectacular touchdown. The Bengals defense was crucial, starting with a goal-line stand on Carolina's first drive and later with Vonn Bell’s 32-yard interception return, which set up Brown's first touchdown. After halftime, Cincinnati extended their lead to 28-14 with an eight-play, 71-yard drive, capped by Brown’s second rushing score. The Panthers, led by Andy Dalton's 220 passing yards and Chuba Hubbard’s 104-yard rushing performance, kept fighting, but the Bengals defense tightened when it mattered most. A late-game three-and-out forced by Trey Hendrickson and company helped Cincinnati hold on, with Evan McPherson’s 46-yard field goal putting the game out of reach.