Week 12 AFC North predictions: Injuries finally catch up

The AFC North has seen several major injuries over the past couple of weeks, which are going to catch up to the teams sooner than later. Here are our predictions for Week 12.

Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-5): The Steelers had an embarrassing loss to the Dorian Thompson-Robinson-led Browns a week ago, which resulted in them finally firing offensive coordinator Matt Canada. The offense, which is averaging the fifth-fewest total yards per game (280.1) and points per game (16.6), won't become an unstoppable unit overnight. But head coach Mike Tomlin is demanding to "see more points." It's only up from here.

The Bengals offense, on the other hand, is likely heading backwards after losing QB Joe Burrow for the rest of the season. Backup Jack Browning, an undrafted rookie in 2019, will now take the reigns. Cincinnati's offense still has one of the best group of weapons in the league, but Pittsburgh's defense, which is allowing the seventh-fewest points per game (19.5), is surely looking to make Browning uncomfortable early and often in a bounce back week.

PREDICTION: Steelers, 23-17

Cleveland Browns (7-3) at Denver Broncos (5-5): The Browns, like their divisional rival, also saw their franchise QB, Deshaun Watson, suffer a season-ending injury. Thompson-Robinson, Cleveland's fifth-round pick in 2023, did enough to get the win last week. But he's going to need to play better after throwing for just 295 yards, zero touchdowns and four interceptions in four games. The defense is allowing the fewest total yards per game (243.3) in the league and needs the offense to start doing its part.

The Broncos are one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now, riding a four-game win streak that includes victories over the Chiefs and Bills. QB Russell Wilson looks to be "fixed" and will likely put pressure on Thompson-Robinson and the Browns offense. Defense will be the name of the game once again, but Denver's offense, which is averaging 21.7 points per game, will find a way, just as it has the past couple of weeks.

PREDICTION: Broncos, 21-16

Baltimore Ravens (8-3) at Los Angeles Chargers (4-6): Following the Chiefs' loss to the Eagles on "Monday Night Football," the Ravens are now the No. 1 seed in the AFC. There is, of course, still a lot of season left, but they have proven to be one of the NFL's elite teams this year. QB Lamar Jackson has the offense humming, even after losing All-Pro TE Mark Andrews to an ankle injury, and the defense is playing lights out, allowing the second-fewest points per game (16.1) and third-fewest total yards per game (273.5).

The Chargers continue to be one of the league's biggest mysteries. They have all of the pieces they need to be a good team and yet they continually fall short. Los Angeles has seen two season-ending injuries to WR Mike Williams and DE Joey Bosa, which will certainly hurt its chances in this one. But expect changes to come if the Chargers fall to 4-7, increasing their chances of having a losing season.

PREDICTION: Ravens, 33-24