Week 10 AFC North predictions: The division stays hot at home

Every team in the AFC North would make the playoffs if it started today, proving it's the best division in the NFL. Here are our predictions for Week 10:

Cleveland Browns (5-3) at Baltimore Ravens (7-2): The Ravens have been one of the most dominant teams in the NFL, outscoring their opponents 130-49 in the last four games. QB Lamar Jackson has inserted himself into the MVP conversation, throwing for 1,954 yards and nine touchdowns while also posting 440 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. The offense boasts the best rushing attack in the league, averaging 160.3 yards on the ground per game. But it's the defense, which is allowing the second-least total yards per game (262.6) and fewest points per game (13.8), that has led the way.

The Browns have also won three of their last four games with the help of their defense, which is allowing the least total yards per game (234.8), but they've needed more from the offense. QB Deshaun Watson proved to be the missing piece in Week 9 when he finally returned to action, passing for 219 yards and two touchdowns. However, this one will certainly be a battle of the trenches and Baltimore gets the edge with its home-field advantage.

PREDICTION: Ravens, 24-20

Houston Texans (4-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-3): QB Joe Burrow and the Bengals are officially back, winning four straight games and back-to-back games against the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers. Burrow has thrown for 1,133 yards, 10 touchdowns and just two interceptions on the win streak, and his team looks almost unstoppable. The defense deserves credit too as it has forced 10 turnovers (seven interceptions, three forced fumbles) and allowed just 17 points per game the past four weeks.

Cincinnati's schedule doesn't get any easier, however. A hot Texans team led by rookie QB C.J. Stroud, who had a record-setting day in Week 9 when he passed for 470 yards and five touchdowns, has high aspirations of its own in 2023. This one has the makings of a shootout, but the more established quarterback in Burrow gets the nod, especially because Houston's defense is allowing the ninth most passing yards per game (238).

PREDICTION: Bengals, 27-23

Green Bay Packers (3-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3): The Steelers have not been pretty to watch but they always seem to make plays when needed. They are the first team in NFL history to be outgained by their opponents in each of their first eight games and have a winning record. Luckily for them, the Packers will give them the opportunity to play the low-scoring type of game they need to win in Week 10.

Green Bay's offense has also struggled lately, averaging the ninth-least total yards per game (300). Pittsburgh's is the fourth worst with 278.5 yards per game. Both defenses have kept games close for each team but second-year QB Kenny Pickett continues to prove he is a different player late in games with six fourth-quarter comeback wins in his career, which is the second most in the NFL since 2022. Head coach Mike Tomlin will have his team ready to play once again in its third straight home game.

PREDICTION: Steelers, 21-17