Week 11 AFC North predictions: Two teams pull ahead in rivalry week

The AFC North is by far the most competitive division in the NFL, but two teams can separate themselves from the others this week. Here are our predictions for Week 11:

Cincinnati Bengals (5-4) at Baltimore Ravens (7-3): The Bengals narrowly lost to the Ravens (27-24) in Week 2 and that was when QB Joe Burrow was dealing with a calf injury. Since their bye, their offense has been red hot, averaging 27.3 points per game. However, WR Tee Higgins is considered unlikely to be able to return from his hamstring injury on a short week. Wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tyler Boyd did step up in his absence against the Texans, but Baltimore's defense is much stouter than the one they saw a week ago.

The Ravens defense is allowing the fewest points per game (15.7) and second-least total yards per game (273.6) in the league. But it's Baltimore's offense versus Cincinnati's defense that could be the difference in this one. The Ravens boast the NFL's best rushing attack (154.9 yards per game) while the Bengals are allowing the third most rushing yards per game (136.2).

PREDICTION: Ravens, 24-20

Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) at Cleveland Browns (6-3): The Steelers are the first team in NFL history to have a winning record after being outgained in nine consecutive games to begin the season. They have not been pretty to watch but continually find ways to win. Head coach Mike Tomlin deserves some credit as Pittsburgh is 9-0 in their last nine one-score games and it could certainly win in a similar fashion this week.

The Browns lost QB Deshaun Watson to a season-ending shoulder injury and will likely rely on their run game and great defense to win. This is especially true because backup quarterbacks PJ Walker and Dorian Thompson-Robinson have combined for just one touchdown and eight interceptions this season while completing just 50 percent of their passes. Cleveland's defense, which ranks first in yards allowed (242.7) and fourth in points allowed (16.9), will keep it close but the Steelers are surely looking to continue their unprecedented streak.

PREDICTION: Steelers, 21-17