The AFC North is annually one of the toughest divisions in football. The Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals tend to have more well-rounded teams and lead the way, but none of them can look past their games against the stout Cleveland Browns defense.
When Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season began, each of the division members was staring down non-division opponents. The Steelers were sitting atop the division ahead of a matchup against the Chicago Bears. The Baltimore Ravens were riding a four-game win streak against the New York Jets. The Cincinnati Bengals were hosting the AFC East-leading New England Patriots, and the Cleveland Browns were on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders.
After the early Sunday slate, there is a new team sitting at the top of the division. Here is the AFC North’s playoff picture in Week 12.
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AFC North standings
| Team | Record |
| Baltimore Ravens | 6-5 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 6-5 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 3-8 |
| Cleveland Browns | 3-8 |
The Ravens and the Steelers come out of Week 12 with the same record. Baltimore currently holds the tiebreaker due to its better divisional record. It is worth noting that the Ravens and the Steelers have not yet played this season. Their important games are slated for Week 14 in Baltimore and Week 18 in Pittsburgh.
The Ravens beat the Jets 23-10 to earn their fifth consecutive win. Baltimore battled through quarterback Lamar Jackson’s midseason injury, and now the team sits in the divisional driver’s seat. Veteran running back Derrick Henry ran the ball 21 times, and while he only accumulated 64 yards, he had two touchdowns.
The biggest question surrounding the Steelers in Week 12 was the health of starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He ended up being ruled inactive due to his wrist injury on his non-throwing hand, and backup quarterback Mason Rudolph took over under center. Rudolph finished 24-31 for 171 yards with one touchdown, an interception and a fumble in the 31-28 loss to Chicago.
The Bengals were hopeful that starting quarterback Joe Burrow could return in Week 12, but he wasn’t activated from injured reserve, pushing his likely return to Thursday in Week 13. Cincinnati also didn’t have Ja’Marr Chase, as he was serving his one-game suspension for spitting on Steelers DB Jalen Ramsey in Week 11. The Bengals had a chance late, but the Patriots defense held on for the 26-20 victory.
The Browns played in the mid-afternoon window, but all eyes were on Shedeur Sanders’ debut. He helped the Browns tie the Bengals in the standings and showed off an impressive arm with an early touchdown to Isiah Bond. He became the first Cleveland quarterback to win his first start since 1999.
SHEDEUR SANDERS GOES DEEP FOR 53 YARDS.
CLEvsLV on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/dVqZbz0ESf
— NFL (@NFL) November 23, 2025
Ravens upcoming schedule
| Week | Opponent |
| 13 | vs. Bengals (TNF) |
| 14 | vs. Steelers |
| 15 | at Bengals |
| 16 | vs. Patriots |
| 17 | at Packers |
| 18 | at Steelers |
MORE: Ranking greatest Ravens of all time
Steelers upcoming schedule
| Week | Opponent |
| 13 | vs. Bills |
| 14 | at Ravens |
| 15 | vs. Dolphins (MNF) |
| 16 | at Lions |
| 17 | at Browns |
| 18 | vs. Steelers |
MORE: Ranking 19 greatest Steelers of all time
Bengals upcoming schedule
| Week | Opponent |
| 13 | at Ravens (TNF) |
| 14 | at Bills |
| 15 | vs. Ravens |
| 16 | at Dolphins |
| 17 | vs. Cardinals |
| 18 | vs. Browns |
MORE: When is Joe Burrow expected back from turf toe injury?
Browns upcoming schedule
| Week | Opponent |
| 13 | vs. 49ers |
| 14 | vs. Titans |
| 15 | at Bears |
| 16 | vs. Bills |
| 17 | vs. Steelers |
| 18 | at Bengals |
