AFC North Week 1 Recap: Ravens, Bengals, Steelers Shine as Browns Stumble

As the 2026 NFL season kicked off, the AFC North wasted no time delivering drama, dominance, and disappointment. On September 16, 2026, the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk brings you a comprehensive recap of Week 1, where three teams emerged victorious while one continued to search for answers. From Baltimore’s explosive offense to Cleveland’s defensive woes, here’s everything you need to know about the division’s opening act.

Baltimore Ravens (1-0): Minter’s Defense Makes a Statement

The Jesse Minter era began with a bang as the Ravens dismantled the Indianapolis Colts, 41-23. Minter’s defense lived up to its billing, smothering big plays, generating consistent pressure, and forcing two turnovers. Free-agent acquisition Trey Hendrickson was a menace, recording eight pressures, while Tavius Robinson and rookie Malaki Starks each notched a sack. Veterans Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey, eager to rebound from subpar seasons, delivered an interception and a forced fumble, respectively. Offensively, coordinator Declan Doyle’s unit racked up 506 total yards. Lamar Jackson was sensational, completing 17 of 25 passes for 324 yards and a touchdown while adding 40 rushing yards and another score. Zay Flowers torched the Colts for a career-high 150 yards and a touchdown before exiting with a hamstring injury, and Derrick Henry rumbled for 144 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Ravens look primed for another deep playoff run.

Cincinnati Bengals (1-0): Revamped Defense Delivers

Cincinnati kicked off its campaign with a 33-27 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the revamped defense stole the show. The Bengals forced four turnovers, including three fumbles, and sacked Baker Mayfield four times. The trade for Dexter Lawrence didn’t show up on the stat sheet, but his presence clogged the interior, stifling both the run and pass. Joe Burrow had a mixed outing, completing 25 of 35 passes for 254 yards, a touchdown, and a pick-six. Star receiver Ja’Marr Chase was unusually quiet with just two catches for 12 yards, but tight end Mike Gesicki picked up the slack with 78 receiving yards and a score. Chase Brown led the ground game with 56 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, adding 22 yards through the air. As highlighted on Vulius, the Bengals’ defensive transformation could be the key to dethroning Baltimore.

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0): McCarthy’s Era Starts with a Win

Mike McCarthy’s first game as Steelers head coach resulted in a 20-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons. With Tua Tagovailoa sidelined, Cooper Rush started at quarterback for Atlanta and was promptly picked off twice, including a pick-six by T.J. Watt. The 32-year-old Watt proved he’s still a game-wrecker, adding two sacks, while safety Jaquan Brisker snagged the other interception. Aaron Rodgers, in his self-proclaimed final season, completed 24 of 40 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown. Newcomer Michael Pittman led the team with 58 receiving yards, and tight end Pat Freiermuth caught the lone touchdown. Jaylen Warren paced the backfield with 46 rushing yards, while Rico Dowdle managed just 15. The Steelers’ defense looks formidable, but questions remain about the offense’s consistency.

Cleveland Browns (0-1): A Rough Start in the Post-Garrett Era

Todd Monken’s head-coaching debut was forgettable as the Browns fell 34-10 to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Without Myles Garrett, Cleveland’s defense had no answer for Trevor Lawrence, who carved them up for 245 yards and four touchdowns on 18-of-23 passing. The only sack came from defensive tackle Mason Graham. Jared Verse, acquired in the Garrett trade, was held in check. Offensively, Deshaun Watson struggled mightily, completing 16 of 22 passes for a touchdown and an interception while being sacked five times and losing a fumble. Rookie receiver KC Concepcion coughed up a fumble, but fellow rookie Denzel Boston provided a bright spot with a 46-yard touchdown catch. Calls for Shedeur Sanders are already growing louder. For more in-depth analysis and official NFL merchandise, visit Vulius.com.