Week 8 AFC North predictions: Browns, Ravens continue dominance

The Browns, Ravens and Steelers all had impressive wins in Week 7, keeping the race for the AFC North tight. Here are our predictions for Week 8:

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2): The Steelers somehow found a way to win once again in Week 7. Their offense put up just three points in the first half, but QB Kenny Pickett did what we've seen him do several times in winning a close game. The second-year quarterback may have had the best half of his career, completing 11-of-12 for 152 yards to help close out the game, and now has the opportunity to have another strong performance as the Jaguars are allowing the second-most passing yards per game (273.9).

However, Pittsburgh isn't built for a shootout and Jacksonville is averaging the ninth-most points per game (24.7). The offense goes as long as it's having success in the running game and the Jaguars are allowing the fourth-least rushing yards per game. Jacksonville has shown the capability to shut down the ground game, which could result in another frustrating day on offense for the Steelers.

PREDICTION: Jaguars, 24-20

Cleveland Browns (4-2) at Seattle Seahawks (4-2): The Browns defense continued its dominance in Week 7 as DE Myles Garrett became the first player since at least 1991 to have two or more sacks, two or more forced fumbles and a blocked field goal in the same game, per NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano. Deshaun Watson's status is still questionable after he was pulled from the game in the first quarter, but it doesn't seem to matter who is playing quarterback as long as they play smart.

The Seahawks defense has also been quietly impressive, allowing the sixth-least rushing yards per game (87.2). That will surely complicate things for Cleveland as it has heavily relied on the run game in Watson's absence. To make matters worse, the Browns are expected to be without RB Jerome Ford as he deals with a low-grade high ankle sprain. The "12th Man" in Seattle will make things difficult but Cleveland's defense is simply on another level.

PREDICTION: Browns, 21-17

Baltimore Ravens (5-2) at Arizona Cardinals (1-6): The Ravens gave a preview of how dangerous they can be in Week 7 when they put together an almost-perfect game. Baltimore's 38-6 outing against the Lions was impressive, but even more impressive was QB Lamar Jackson, who finished the day with 393 total yards, four touchdowns and a 155.8 passer rating, per Pro Football Focus. Jackson has had a bit of a turnover problem but proved he's one of the best players in the NFL when turnover-free.

Jackson and the Ravens offense should have another dominant day as the Cardinals are allowing the fifth-most total yards per game (368.3) and seventh-most points per game (26). Baltimore's dominance may not be limited to its offense either, as its defense is allowing the second-least total yards per game (271.7) and the fewest points per game (13.9).

PREDICTION: Ravens, 28-14

Cincinnati Bengals (3-3) at San Francisco 49ers (5-2): The Bengals must be feeling optimistic coming off their bye week with their first win streak of the season. The offense began to look like its old self entering the bye and QB Joe Burrow should be much healthier from the calf injury he reaggravated in Week 2. He and the offense still have a lot to prove, ranking as the worst in total yards per game (256.3), but there isn't much doubt that Burrow and the Bengals offense will figure it out at some point.

Cincinnati also won nine straight games after its bye week last season and is hoping to replicate that success. But unlike last year, Cincinnati's defense has been struggling, allowing the sixth-most total yards per game (355.8). It won't get any easier either as the Bengals are set to face one of the best teams in the league. Granted, the 49ers have dropped two in a row, but that could make them even hungrier for a win in Week 8.

PREDICTON: 49ers, 27-23