Week 15 AFC North predictions: Steelers fall flat for third straight week

The AFC North continues to be the most competitive division in the NFL even after seeing several season-ending injuries to key players. That will remain true this week. Here are our predictions for Week 15.

Minnesota Vikings (7-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-6): The Bengals are catching the Vikings at the perfect time. Although Minnesota won, it was only able to muster three points in Week 14. The disappointing showing forced the team to make a change at quarterback, naming Nick Mullens, an undrafted rookie in 2017, its starter. Not to mention, All-Pro WR Justin Jefferson's status is up in the air with a chest injury as well.

On the other hand, Cincinnati seems to have found a diamond in the rough in QB Jake Browning. The 27-year-old has led the Bengals to back-to-back wins, completing 50-of-61 for 629 yards, three touchdowns and just one interception. The Vikings defense, which is allowing the fifth least points per game (18.6), will keep it close, but Cincinnati just has too much firepower on offense.

PREDICTION: Bengals, 20-14

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) at Indianapolis Colts (7-6): The Steelers became the first team in NFL history to be over .500 and lose back-to-back games to teams at least eight games under .500 with their Week 14 loss to the Patriots. Things are likely to get worse before they get better too as QB Mitchell Trubisky is expected to start once again with QB Kenny Pickett still healing from ankle surgery. There are no excuses for another terrible performance by the offense as the Colts are allowing the fourth most points per game (25.4).

Although Indianapolis' defense has struggled, its offense has not under one of the most surprising players in QB Gardner Minshew this season. The five-year veteran has led the eighth-best offense in terms of points per game (24.2) and that will likely continue against Pittsburgh, which has allowed 45 points on its two-game losing streak. Minshew is better than any quarterback who will be playing for the Steelers come Saturday, which is why the Colts get the edge.

PREDICTION: Colts, 23-17

Chicago Bears (5-8) at Cleveland Browns (8-5): The Browns have been a dominant team at home with a 6-1 record and they're surely looking to take advantage against a Bears team that has been up and down all season. QB Justin Fields, the No. 11 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, does have Chicago on its first win streak of the year but Cleveland's defense, which is allowing the least total yards per game (263), has a good chance to quickly end it.

The Browns have also finally found their replacement for Deshaun Watson. QB Joe Flacco seems rejuvenated over the past couple of weeks, completing 49-of-89 passes for 565 yards, five touchdowns and just two interceptions. Cleveland will need to continue relying on the 38-year-old as Chicago's defense is quietly allowing the second least rushing yards per game (83.7) in the league.

PREDICTION: Browns, 24-20

Baltimore Ravens (10-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5): The Ravens have established themselves as one of the best teams in the league, sitting atop the AFC as the No. 1 seed. However, they will be put to the test over the last month of the season as all four of their remaining opponents have winning records. It starts with the Jaguars, who have one of the better pass attacks, averaging 242.9 yards per game.

Baltimore's secondary will need to keep everything in front of them, especially with first-round safety Kyle Hamilton's status in question after suffering a knee injury last week. QB Lamar Jackson, who is coming off "one of his best days" according to head coach John Harbaugh, will need to stay hot against Jacksonville, which is allowing the fourth least rushing yards per game (92.2).

PREDICTION: Ravens, 31-27