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NFL NationESPN
The Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers form one of two divisions in the NFL to not have a team under .500 this season, which means the race for the AFC North crown will likely come down to the wire.
After eight weeks, Baltimore (5-2) leads the way with Cincinnati (5-3), Pittsburgh (4-3) and Cleveland (4-4) nipping at its heels. The Ravens are 47.4% favorites to win the division, followed by the Bengals (27.3%), Steelers (14.1%) and Browns (11.1%).
The Browns have been the newsmakers in the division this week, waiving wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. after his father posted a video on Instagram highlighting times when quarterback Baker Mayfield either didn’t throw the ball to Beckham or missed him when he was open. Beckham’s release was granted Friday and he will go on waivers next week.
We asked Baltimore Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley, Cincinnati Bengals reporter Ben Baby, Pittsburgh Steelers reporter Brooke Pryor and Cleveland Browns reporter Jake Trotter to assess the season thus far and also look ahead.
Biggest surprise
Hensley: Quarterback Lamar Jackson’s downfield passing. The hope was for Jackson to take the next step in his development as a passer. Instead, it’s been a leap. Jackson has completed 14 passes of 20 yards or more in seven games, which nearly matches his total from all of last season (17). With Baltimore not getting much from its patched-up backfield, the Ravens are going to rely on Jackson’s arm more than ever to win the division.
Baby: The play of wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. The fifth overall pick has blown through all rookie expectations and is one of the most explosive receivers in the NFL. He and quarterback Joe Burrow have the…
Source : espn
