It was not a great Week 1 for the AFC North.
That’s good for the Ravens, who will look to bounce back from their 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were the only team in the division to win in their season opener, knocking off the new-look Atlanta Falcons, 18-10. Pittsburgh’s defense carried the team to a victory, allowing just 226 total yards with two sacks and three caused turnovers.
The Steeler ruined the debut of the new Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was just 16-for-26 for 155 yards with two interceptions
Pittsburgh outside linebacker T.J. Watt was a game-wrecker and recovered a fumble for the Steelers. Watt caused two other fumbles, but penalties overturned both plays.
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson did not play because of a calf injury and Justin Fields got the start. Fields was unspectacular, completing 17 of 23 passes for 156 yards.
Pittsburgh will be a force in the division if the defense plays at this level throughout the season.
Joe Burrow returned to the lineup for the Cincinnati Bengals against the New England Patriots after his 2023 season ended with a wrist injury against the Ravens on November 16th. It was not a good day for the entire Bengals offense in the 16-10 loss, and they were booed by the home crowd.
Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase played despite a contract dispute, but Tee Higgins did not play because of a hamstring injury.
Chase had six catches for 62 yards. Burrow struggled and was 21-for-29 for 164 yards. Cincinnati’s defense had trouble getting off the field.
The Cleveland Browns were blown out by the Dallas Cowboys, 33-17. Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson had a forgettable day, completing 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions for a 51.1 rating.
The AFC North was the best division in the NFL last season with every team finishing .500 or above, but the teams have work to do to match that success.
Week 2 schedule
Las Vegas Raiders at Ravens, Sunday 1 p.m.
Steelers at Denver Broncos, Sunday 4:25 p.m.
Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday 4:25 p.m.
Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday 1 p.m.
