Week 3 AFC North predictions: Browns, Bengals fall flat again

The story of the AFC North after two weeks has been injuries. In Week 3, two will rise through adversity while the other two fall flat again.

Indianapolis Colts (1-1) at Baltimore Ravens (2-0): The Ravens are off to a hot start in 2023 and that trend is likely to continue with a favorable matchup against the Colts in Week 3. Rookie QB Anthony Richardson has impressed but exited his team's Week 2 game with a concussion. If he is inactive on Sunday, Baltimore's chances of winning will significantly increase.

The Ravens have had their fair share of injuries as well, missing left tackle Ronnie Stanley, center Tyler Linderbaum, safety Marcus Williams, cornerback Marlon Humphrey and running back J.K. Dobbins last weekend. However, they continue to find ways to win with backups, which has head coach John Harbaugh feeling confident about his roster.

"It says a lot about the guys that played," Harbaugh said. "It says that those guys are starting-caliber players who played winning football against a great football team in their house. That's what it says. They deserve it."

PREDICTION: Ravens, 31-13

Tennessee Titans (1-1) at Cleveland Browns (1-1): The Browns are coming off a devastating 26-22 loss to the Steelers on "Monday Night Football" where they lost star running back Nick Chubb for the season. To make matters worse, QB Deshaun Watson's struggles continued as he turned the football over three times (two fumbles, one interception). He will need to step up his level of play without Chubb or Cleveland's season will be over sooner than later.

Meanwhile, the Titans are entering Week 3 after winning a close game against the Chargers. This week's meeting is probably going to be a close game too as both teams boast one of the NFL's best defenses in points per game. So, which offense do you trust more? Tennessee gets the edge with RB Derrick Henry.

PREDICTION: Titans, 20-17

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) at Las Vegas Raiders (1-1): The Steelers offense looked awful once again in Week 2, but so did the Raiders'. Both Pittsburgh and Las Vegas head into "Sunday Night Football" with one of the NFL's worst offenses in total yards per game and points per game. So, prepare for another defensive battle in primetime.

However, the difference between these two teams is that the Steelers defense, led by linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, has actually gotten takeaways while the Raiders have yet to do so. Pittsburgh rose to the occasion to get its first win of the season on Monday night and now it'll get its second on Sunday night.

PREDICTION: Steelers, 21-20

Los Angeles Rams (1-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-2): There are major question marks surrounding the health of QB Joe Burrow, who reaggravated his calf injury in Week 2. Luckily for Burrow, the Bengals have an extra day to get healthy as they play on Monday night. However, even if he plays, it's unlikely he will be fully healthy, which means it could be another rough week on offense.

The Rams might be one of the biggest surprises of the season, dominating the Seahawks in Week 1 and coming up just short against the 49ers in Week 2. QB Matthew Stafford seems to be playing like his old self again, and that's without All-Pro WR Cooper Kupp. This one has the makings of a shootout, but Stafford has been much more consistent than Burrow.

PREDICTION: Rams, 30-24