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It’s Week 2 of the 2017 NFL season and narratives are already emerging in the AFC North. The Cincinnati Bengals have played two games and lost them both—and at home, to boot—while the Baltimore Ravens have a second consecutive divisional matchup when they face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a major test this week when they host the Minnesota Vikings. With all that in mind, here are the latest news and notes around the AFC North.
Cincinnati Bengals: The Cincinnati Bengals have lost their first two games of the season, most recently falling to the Houston Texans, 13-9, on Thursday night. Cincy Jungle’s Nick Manchester has the game recap, while John Acree provides his takes on the Bengals’ winners and losers in the disappointing effort.
Also: It should come as no surprise that Bengals players and fans alike are frustrated by the team’s 0-2 start to the season. Rebecca Tobak has the fans’ reactions to Thursday’s loss, while Jason Marcum brings you the thoughts of defensive end Carlos Dunlap and cornerback Adam Jones. A hint: It’s not pretty.
Baltimore Ravens: The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up to play host to the Browns on Sunday, and after last week’s showing against the Steelers the Ravens may just have more than they bargained for on their hands. Baltimore Beatdown’s Logan Levy gives his three predictions for the Week 2 clash. He claims Cleveland won’t manage more than 10 points. However...
Also: Kyle J. Andrews believes that the Ravens should not underestimate the Browns’ rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer, writing that Kizer is “much more composed than the average rookie quarterback.”
Pittsburgh Steelers: Jeff Hartman at Behind the Steel Curtain provides his Week 1 grades for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ rookies; unsurprisingly, linebacker and Round 1 draft pick T.J. Watt leads the pack.
Also: Hartman reports that Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier was fined for his late hit on the Browns’ Kizer in Week 1. The hit had initially drawn a 15-yard roughing the passing penalty.