AFC North Week 3 roundup and standings heading into Week 4

The Baltimore Ravens continued their unimpressive early showing by squeaking by the Detroit Lions by a score of 19-17 on the strength of an NFL-record 66-yard field goal by Justin Tucker as time expired.

The win moved Baltimore into a tie for first place in the AFC North with Cincinnati and Cleveland, who crushed Chicago and its rookie signal-caller, Justin Fields, by a count of 26-6. All three teams stand at 2-1, with Pittsburgh in last place at 1-2.

Keepin’ it close

The Ravens lost in overtime to the Raiders in their season-opener, then pulled out a one-point victory at home against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week Two. Detroit gave Baltimore all it could handle before Tucker’s gem bailed out the visiting Ravens.

Even though Baltimore ended up with more total yards (387-285), the Lions had the edge in just about every other category. Detroit had 22 first downs to 15 for the Ravens and owned a five-minute edge in time of possession.

Lamar Jackson once again was Mr. Everything for Baltimore, rolling up 287 yards passing after a 16-for-31 day and adding another 58 yards on the ground on just seven carries.

Jared Goff had a solid day for the Lions, completing 22 of 30 passes for 217 yards, but he was unable to get Detroit into the end zone. D’Andre Swift had 47 yards rushing and a touchdown on 14 carries, and added another seven receptions for 60 yards.

Dog Pound open for business

The Browns completely stifled Fields, who managed just six completions on 20 attempts for 68 yards, and held running back David Montgomery to only 34 yards on 10 attempts.

Cleveland sacked Fields nine times, including 4.5 from Myles Garrett, and recorded 15 quarterback hits. Chicago managed just six first downs and a paltry 47 yards in total offense.

The Browns featured a balanced attack, with quarterback Baker Mayfield throwing for 246 yards on a 19-for-31 day with one touchdown and the rushing attack accounting for another 215 yards on 42 attempts. Nick Chubb led Cleveland’s ground assault with 22 carries for 84 yards, while Kareem Hunt chipped in 81 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown.

Week 4 Standings

The Cincinnati Bengals play host to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night, while Cleveland travels to Minnesota for an early game on Sunday afternoon. Pittsburgh is at Green Bay for a 4 p.m. game and the Ravens go to Denver to take on the undefeated Broncos.

Because the Bengals are the only AFC North team with a divisional win, they technically lead the way heading into Week 4. The Steelers are the only team with a divisional loss thus far.

Here’s a look at the standings via ESPN.