Losses by the Ravens and Browns gives the Bengals sole possession of first place

Strictly based on on the standings and without any long-term prognostication in regards to the postseason seeding, had the Bengals lost to the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati wouldn't have lost any ground. Entering Sunday, the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns were tied for first place in the AFC North at 3-2.

When Mike Nugent nailed the 42-yard game-winning field goal to beat the Bills 27-24, the Bengals claimed sole possession in the AFC North.

You can thank the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers.

Despite Cleveland securing a 17-7 half time lead, the Detroit Lions outscored the Browns 24-0 in the second half to win 31-17 behind Matthew Stafford's four-touchdown performance -- and that was with an injured Calvin Johnson, who only recorded 25 yards receiving on three catches.

Once Green Bay took a 16-3 lead with 2:12 remaining in the third quarter on Jordy Nelson's 64-yard touchdown reception, the Packers were forced to hold off a furious 14-point fourth quarter by the Ravens. In the end, the Ravens fell short and the Packers beat Baltimore 19-17.

The Ravens and Browns drop to 3-3 while the Bengals hold a one-game advantage at 4-2.

In other news around the AFC North, the Steelers won their first game of the season with a 19-6 win over the New York Jets.