NFL Preview: AFC North Battles Abound

Week 4 of the NFL regular season promises to be an important one as several key division battles highlight the slate. Nowhere is this more evident than in the AFC North where all four teams – Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Cleveland – will duke it out in what’s quickly becoming the NFL’s most competitive division.

At Heinz Field, the undefeated Steelers (3-0) will host Baltimore (2-1) in what is, for all intents and purposes, a game to decide top spot in the North. The Steelers have shocked the NFL landscape with their red-hot start to the season – minus the services of QB Ben Roethlisberger (NB: this game vs. Baltimore will be the final one of his four-game suspension), Pittsburgh has still managed to dominate opponents thanks in large part to its stellar defense. To give you an idea of how outstanding the Steeler D has been, consider the following:

— 10 sacks, five interceptions through three games

— Allowing 11 points per contest, tops in the NFL

— Just two offensive TDs conceded

As for the QB position, it doesn’t seem to matter who Pittsburgh lines up under center. Last Sunday vs. Tampa Bay, Charlie Batch got the nod and threw for 186 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-13 rout – and this was Batch’s first start in nearly three years.

The Ravens, meanwhile, come into this contest boasting a 2-1 record but can’t be pleased with their effort against Cleveland last Sunday. While they emerged with a 24-17 win, the Ravens had major issues stuffing the run (Cleveland backup RB Peyton Hillis carried 22 times for 144 yards, both career highs) and shutting down a normally mediocre Browns offense. Cleveland put up 304 all-purpose yards and scored the first two touchdowns allowed by the Baltimore defense this year – not a very promising sign for the Ravens heading into their biggest game of the season.

Injury Notes: Ravens DE Cory Redding (concussion) left during the Cleveland game and did not return…Ravens RB Ray Rice tweaked his knee against the Browns and will have a MRI this week.

In the other AFC North battle, the Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) will travel to Cleveland to take on the Browns (0-3). It promises to be another uphill battle for the Browns – the Bengals have ripped off two straight wins (Ravens, Panthers) in impressive fashion and look to be back near the form that won them the AFC North crown a season ago. Cincy is once again doing it with defense: the team is allowing just 18.3 points per game and has five interceptions, tied for the third-best mark in the NFL.

If the Browns are going to notch one in the win column, they’re going to need a better showing from their secondary. The unit was torched against Baltimore last Sunday, allowing Ravens WR Anquan Boldin to haul in three TDs and 142 yards.

Injury Notes: Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco is still hurting with a broken rib…Cleveland placed LB D’Qwell Jackson on injured reserve, ending his 2010 season.