AFC North optimist, pessimist view of every team

The AFC North, expected to be one of the NFL's top divisions, should have a photo finish considering every team is .500 or better so far this season. Here are reasons to be optimistic and pessimistic about every team in the division through Week 6.

Baltimore Ravens (4-2)

Optimist: The offense has yet to find its groove, but it is still fifth best in rushing yards per game (144.8) and 11th best in total yards per game (339.2). The defense, meanwhile, is impressive, allowing the second-fewest yards per game (260.8). The team also is slowly getting healthier after several injuries sidelined key players.

Pessimist: One of the main reasons the offense has struggled to put games away is a turnover problem. QB Lamar Jackson has the most turnovers in the fourth quarter or overtime of one-score games over the past three seasons, per ESPN Stats & Info. Baltimore revamped its receiving unit in the offseason. However, besides rookie WR Zay Flowers, it has underwhelmed. Father Time seems to have caught up with Odell Beckham Jr., and Rashod Bateman looks to be a failed first-round pick. 

Cincinnati Bengals (3-3)

Optimist: The Bengals have looked like their old selves the past two weeks, especially QB Joe Burrow, who is getting healthier after reaggravating a calf injury in Week 2. WR Ja'Marr Chase remains a difference-maker with a league-leading 50 catches to along with 556 yards and three TDs. Time will help Burrow get healthier and return to his usual elite form, which is bad news for the rest of the league.

Pessimist: Although the offense is starting to find its stride, WR Tee Higgins is far from being a reason why. The fourth-year receiver has just 14 catches for 149 yards. Meanwhile the defense, a strong point the past two seasons, has allowed the ninth-most total yards per game (355.8).

Cleveland Browns (3-2)

Optimist: The Browns have lost star RB Nick Chubb for the season to a knee injury, and QB Deshaun Watson is dealing with a shoulder issue that has sidelined him since Week 4. However, it doesn't matter because the defense is playing lights-out, allowing a league-best 200.4 yards per game and only 15.4 points per game, fifth best in the NFL. Cleveland proved it's a contender in Week 6 when it upset the previously undefeated 49ers. The offense, fourth best in rushing yards per game (147), has proved it can control the clock and win close games.

Pessimist: Although the defense is dominant, the team needs better quarterback play. Backup P.J. Walker threw for 192 yards and two interceptions in Week 6, and rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson threw for 121 yards and three interceptions in Week 4. Watson must return sooner than later, or many will continue to question the $230 million quarterback. Even with Watson in the lineup, Cleveland still has the third-worst passing offense in the NFL.

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)

Optimist: Aided by a Week 6 bye, the team is getting healthier. WR Diontae Johnson, TE Pat Freiermuth and RB Anthony McFarland have returned to practice. The reinforcements should help second-year QB Kenny Pickett, who has struggled. LB T.J. Watt, who is tied for the league lead in sacks (eight), remains a difference-maker. In 2022, Pittsburgh went 7-2 after its bye. If the Steelers repeat that feat, they will be in great shape. 

Pessimist: The offense is getting healthier, but offensive coordinator Matt Canada still has a job. He has shown no signs of improving the offense, which ranks third worst in yards (268.2) and points per game (15.8). Veteran cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace have struggled, resulting in Pittsburgh's eighth-worst pass defense. Promising rookie CB Joey Porter Jr. is waiting for more opportunities, but head coach Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff seem uninterested in giving their rookies extensive playing time.