AFC North Makes History as All Four Teams Finish with Winning Records
ICARO Media Group
In a historic feat, the AFC North division has become the first division since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 to have all four teams finish the regular season with winning records. The Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals have all demonstrated their competitive prowess, solidifying the division as one of the toughest in the league.
Leading the charge are the Baltimore Ravens, who secured the top seed in the AFC with an impressive 13-4 record. Their dominant season has been marked by exceptional performances, making them a formidable force heading into the playoffs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers also showcased their strength, finishing the regular season at 10-7. Head coach Mike Tomlin's leadership has guided the team to an impressive 17 straight winning seasons, further solidifying the Steelers' reputation as a consistently successful franchise.
Despite facing adversity with quarterback Deshaun Watson's season-ending shoulder injury, the Cleveland Browns managed to overcome obstacles and clinch a playoff spot. With a commendable 11-6 record, the Browns demonstrated their resilience and depth in the face of challenges.
The Cincinnati Bengals, although already eliminated from playoff contention, contributed to the division's historic achievement with their Week 18 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The Bengals finished the season at 9-8, adding another dimension to the division's collective success.
While there have been divisions that came close to achieving this milestone, none have been successful until now. The AFC North becomes the first division in the Super Bowl era to have all teams finish with winning records, marking a remarkable accomplishment in the modern era of professional football.
The last time a division accomplished a similar feat was back in 1935 when the NFL West division, led by the Detroit Lions, included the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Chicago Cardinals. However, the game of football has vastly evolved since then, making the AFC North's achievement even more impressive.
The AFC North's success this season highlights the depth and competitiveness of the division. As the playoffs loom, all four teams will be aiming to carry their regular-season momentum forward. While the Cincinnati Bengals may have fallen short of a playoff berth, their victory in the final game holds significant symbolic value, underscoring the division's overall strength.
As the AFC North looks ahead to the postseason, football fans around the league are eager to witness the clash of these powerhouse teams. From the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens to the resilient Cleveland Browns, the AFC North has truly left a mark on the 2023-2024 NFL season with their historic achievement of all four teams finishing with winning records.