In a surprising turn of events in the AFC North, the Houston Texans and the Cleveland Browns pulled off upsets against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens, respectively. The results of these games have sent shockwaves through the division and sparked discussions about rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud's MVP candidacy. Here's a breakdown of the key headlines from Sunday's games, as shared by The Athletic's NFL writers.

The Houston Texans, led by rookie phenom C.J. Stroud, pulled off a significant upset against the Cincinnati Bengals. Stroud's exceptional performance has impressed NFL analysts, with some considering him a strong candidate for the MVP award. Despite facing adversity late in the game with an interception and the Bengals' game-tying drive, Stroud demonstrated resilience and led his team to a victory. The Texans have now won five of their last seven games, standing at 5-4 for the season.

The upset trend continued as the Cleveland Browns rallied to defeat the first-place Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens and the Bengals, both upset at home, will now face each other in a highly anticipated Thursday night matchup. NFL writer Dan Pompei expects a physical battle between the two teams, with a focus on key battles in the trenches and game-defining defensive plays. However, he cautioned against prematurely declaring the winner of this matchup as the favorite to win the division, as the Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers remain strong contenders.

The San Francisco 49ers bounced back from a three-game losing streak with an impressive victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. NFL writer Mike Jones credits the return of key players like Trent Williams and Deebo Samuel for the team's success. Their impact on the offense and execution helped alleviate pressure on quarterback Brock Purdy. Jones believes that the 49ers' fortunes will rely on the team's overall health, a factor that has previously hindered their progress.

The Minnesota Vikings have recently seen success with new quarterback Josh Dobbs, who led the team to victories in his first two games after being traded from the Arizona Cardinals. With star wide receiver Justin Jefferson expected to return soon, NFL writer Ted Nguyen envisions the Vikings making a strong push for the playoffs. The team has upcoming games against opponents with losing records, which could further solidify their position. However, Pompei acknowledges that the Vikings face a tough road ahead, especially in a killer last month of the season.

On the other end of the spectrum, the New England Patriots suffered a disappointing loss, sitting at the bottom of the AFC standings with a 2-8 record for the first time since 2000. The team's struggles have raised questions about the future and prompted advice for owner Robert Kraft. NFL writer Mike Jones suggests asking tough questions during the offseason, including a discussion about talent evaluation and the plan for improving the team's roster. However, all writers highlight the need for patience and deliberate decision-making to bring the Patriots back to their winning ways.

Overall, the AFC North division has taken an unexpected turn, with upsets shaking up the standings. C.J. Stroud's stellar performances have thrust him into the MVP discussion, adding intrigue to the rest of the NFL season. As teams continue to jostle for playoff berths and divisional supremacy, the landscape of the AFC North remains uncertain, setting the stage for exciting matchups and potential surprises in the coming weeks.