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NFL power rankings: Breaking down the league’s toughest divisions

By Peter Panacy

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 16: Charcandrick West #35 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled by Malcolm Smith #53 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 16, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 16: Charcandrick West #35 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled by Malcolm Smith #53 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 16, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 6: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens meets with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers after the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-14 at M&T Bank Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 6: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens meets with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers after the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-14 at M&T Bank Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be pretty tough to beat this season. Aside from one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL, the Steelers look to be vastly improved on defense as well.

That’s scary, and there isn’t exactly anyone else worthy of consideration for a division title.

At the very bottom, of course, are the Cleveland Browns. Like the Rams and 49ers, though, the Browns are finally on the right track. They had one of the better NFL Draft classes in 2017, and we were finally able to move them out of the cellar in our Week 1 power rankings.

Even though there’s a long way to go in Cleveland, signs are pointing towards the right direction.

The X-factors within the division are the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens.

I’m not as stoked about the Ravens’ chances this season, and I can’t help but think there will be some major offensive setbacks in Baltimore this year. If anything, they’ll be a middle-of-the-pack team.

Talent-wise, the Bengals appear strong enough to be in the playoff picture. Yet this is a team that could easily go in either direction this upcoming season.

For now, the division is Pittsburgh’s to lose.