The AFC North. Just saying the name usually brings to mind mud-stained jerseys, frozen sod, and games that feel more like bar fights than professional football. The 2025 season? It didn't disappoint. If you were looking for finesse, you probably watched the NFC West. But if you wanted to see teams beat the absolute brakes off each other for 18 weeks, you were in the right place.
Honestly, the AFC North standings at the end of this run tell a story of survival more than just "winning."
Who Came Out on Top?
Pittsburgh did it. Somehow. Mike Tomlin’s streak of non-losing seasons is basically a law of physics at this point, but actually clinching the division title this year felt different. The Steelers finished at 10-7, a record that looks modest until you realize they did it in the most "Steelers" way possible. They weren't high-flying. They weren't scoring 40 points a game. They were just... inevitable.
Behind them, the Baltimore Ravens clawed their way to an 8-9 finish. It was a weird, frustrating year in Maryland. We saw flashes of brilliance followed by head-scratching losses. Cincinnati followed at 6-11, and the Cleveland Browns rounded out the group at 5-12.
It’s a lopsided look for a division that usually sends three teams to the postseason. This year, the North was a bit of a meat grinder that left everyone bruised and, for three-quarters of the division, watching the playoffs from the couch.
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The Final 2025 AFC North Standings Breakdown
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of how these teams actually landed where they did. No fancy charts, just the raw numbers:
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7): Division Champions. They finished 4-2 within the division, which was the tiebreaker gold they needed. Their defense carried the water, allowing just 387 points over the season. That +10 point differential isn't huge, but a win is a win.
- Baltimore Ravens (8-9): A disappointing second place. Despite a positive point differential of +26 (actually better than Pittsburgh’s!), they couldn't close out close games. They went 3-3 in the division. The road was their friend (5-3), but M&T Bank Stadium was a house of horrors for them this year, finishing 3-6 at home.
- Cincinnati Bengals (6-11): The "What If" season. Injuries hampered them again. They finished with a -78 point differential. You can’t give up 492 points in this league and expect to play in January.
- Cleveland Browns (5-12): It was a long winter in Cleveland. A 2-4 divisional record and a -100 point differential tells you everything you need to know. They did end on a two-game winning streak, though, which is at least a nice snack for the offseason.
Why the Steelers Own the North
It's kinda wild when you think about it. The Steelers weren't the "best" team on paper. If you look at the total points scored, the Ravens actually outscored them (424 to 397). But Pittsburgh won the games that mattered. They went into the final week needing to take care of business, and they did.
They played the Texans in the Wild Card round and, well, let's just say the magic ran out there with a 30-6 loss. But the fact that they were the only ones from the North to even get an invite to the dance says a lot. Mike Tomlin’s bunch is basically the cockroach of the NFL—you can't kill 'em, and they'll be there at the end of the world with a terrible towel and a stifling zone defense.
The Ravens' Home-Field Curse
You’ve gotta feel for Baltimore fans. Usually, that stadium is a fortress. This year? It was a sieve. Losing six games at home is the primary reason the AFC North standings look the way they do. If they just split those home losses, they’re 11-6 and potentially winning the division.
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Instead, they missed the playoffs entirely. The defense had moments where they looked like the 2000 squad, but the consistency just wasn't there. When you have a +26 point differential and a losing record, that’s the statistical equivalent of a "could've, should've, would've."
Bengals and Browns: Back to the Drawing Board
Cincinnati is in a tough spot. They have the talent, but the protection for Joe Burrow and the defensive secondary were major issues. Finishing 6-11 isn't where this window of contention was supposed to lead. They’re basically at a crossroads now—do they double down on the current core, or is it time for a real philosophical shift?
Cleveland, on the other hand, is just trying to find an identity. They were 31st in points scored. You aren't winning anything in the modern NFL when you're averaging roughly 16 points a game. Their defense was actually top-tier in terms of yards allowed (4th in the league!), but the offense turned the ball over and put them in impossible situations constantly.
What This Means for 2026
The AFC North standings from 2025 are going to dictate a massive arms race this spring. Pittsburgh knows their 10-7 record won't hold up forever if they don't find more offensive spark. Baltimore is going to be hunting for home-field dominance again.
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If you're looking for actionable insights on what to watch for next:
- Draft Focus: Expect the Bengals and Browns to go heavy on offensive line and playmakers early. They need to score to survive this division.
- Free Agency: The Ravens need to figure out why their "Purple Reign" defense disappeared in high-leverage home games. Look for them to add veteran leadership in the secondary.
- The Schedule: Keep an eye on the 2026 divisional matchups. The Steelers won the North because they went 4-2 against their neighbors. That’s the blueprint.
The 2025 season is in the books. Pittsburgh wears the crown, but in this division, the crown is usually made of barbed wire. Every team in the North is already looking at these standings and realizing that 2026 is going to be even more of a dogfight.
Actionable Next Steps
To stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season, start by tracking the NFL Salary Cap updates for each AFC North team. The Browns and Bengals, in particular, have complex contract situations that will limit their ability to sign big-name free agents without significant restructuring. Following local beat writers for the Steelers will also give you the best insight into whether Mike Tomlin plans to overhaul the offensive scheme after their early playoff exit.