:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71535569/1435935708.0.jpg "NFL standings, Week 7: Where things stand in AFC North playoff picture moving toward Week 8")
The NFC North is looking like a two-team race midway through the season. The Ravens and Bengals both won in Week 7 to remain tied atop the standings.
The Ravens host the Browns at the same time the Bengals hosted the Falcons on Sunday. Cleveland jumped on top early with a Nick Chubb touchdown on the first drive after nearly seven minutes of holding onto the ball. The Browns led 10-3 after the first quarter, and then the Gus Bus arrived. Gus Edwards returned from a knee injury that cost him the entire 2021 season and impressed. He rushed for 66 yards and two touchdowns in a tight game the Ravens had to have and managed to win 23-20.
At the same time, the Bengals impressed on offense with Joe Burrow throwing for 345 yards and three touchdowns in the first half against the Falcons. Cincinnati slowed a bit on offense in the second half, but Atlanta couldn't get going and the Bengals won 35-17.
The Steelers remain tied with the Browns after dropping a close one to the Dolphins. This division is very much a tale of two halves.
Below is a rundown of the AFC North division standings, each team's opponent next week, and their division title odds at DraftKings Sportsbook heading toward Week 8.
| AFC North | Record | Wk opp | Week 1 | Week 7 | Week 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFC North | Record | Wk opp | Week 1 | Week 7 | Week 8 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 4-3 | @ TB | +140 | -160 | -180 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 4-3 | @ CLE | +170 | +225 | +170 |
| Cleveland Browns | 2-5 | vs. CIN | +380 | +750 | +2000 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 2-5 | @ PHI | +1000 | +1800 | +4000 |