Week 4 AFC North predictions: Steelers, Bengals continue to heat up

With three teams tied for first and the Bengals only a game behind them, the AFC North figures to be a wide-open race. Here are predictions for Week 4:

Baltimore Ravens (2-1) at Cleveland Browns (2-1): The Ravens' injuries seemed to finally catch up to them in Week 3 with multiple players out once again, including WR Odell Beckham Jr., RB Justice Hill, CB Marlon Humphrey, OT Ronnie Stanley, C Tyler Linderbaum, LB Odafe Oweh and S Marcus Williams. Baltimore also lost RB Gus Edwards (concussion protocol) and LB David Ojabo (ankle) during the game. Although, they still had several opportunities to win at the end of the game.

The Browns have had some injuries of their own as well, losing right tackle Jack Conklin and RB Nick Chubb for the season. QB Deshaun Watson has still not looked like his old self either, but their defense, which ranks first in total yards allowed per game (163.7), first downs allowed per game (seven) and points allowed per game (10.7), has been leading the way.

Both teams have split the past two years. So, the edge goes to the home team in this close divisional battle.

PREDICTION: Browns, 27-23

Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) at Houston Texans (1-2): The Steelers offense is getting better each week. In a Week 3 win against the Raiders, QB Kenny Pickett had his first career game with multiple touchdown passes and a quarterback ranking of more than 100 (108.5). But the offense must say a big thanks to the defense, which has 10 sacks, seven takeaways and two touchdowns the past two weeks, for delivering impressive performances while Pickett and company figure things out.

Entering Week 3, the Raiders hadn't allowed a sack. Pittsburgh's defense, led by LB T.J. Watt, brought Garoppolo down four times. Now heading into Week 4, Texans QB CJ Stroud has yet to throw his first interception. The Steelers defense gets more than one takeaway while the offense continues to get back on track.

PREDICTION: Steelers, 24-19

Cincinnati Bengals (1-2) at Tennessee Titans (1-2): Like Pittsburgh, the Bengals have struggled to get things going on offense. The offense found enough of a spark, also known as WR Ja'Marr Chase who had 12 catches for 141 yards, in Week 3 to get the win. But Cincinnati will need to do its best to not be one-dimensional against the Titans.

It won't be easy, however, as Tennessee's defense ranks fourth in total rushing yards allowed per game (69.3). RB Joe Mixon will be important as QB Joe Burrow continues to heal the calf injury that he reaggravated in Week 2. It's a risk to continue putting a not fully healthy Burrow on the field but it's worth it for him.

"There is risk to go out there and potentially re-injure it, but there's also a risk to go out there and be 0-3," Burrow said. "We didn't have any setbacks today, but still day to day ... it was good to get through this one, and that means it'll be stronger for next week."

Nonetheless, Burrow gives the Bengals the best chance to win when he's on the field and that remains true in Week 4.

PREDICTION: Bengals, 20-13