7. Houston Texans (5 - 4)
Who would have thought the Houston Texans would not only be in the hunt for a playoff spot but legitimately in a race for the division title? They are only a game behind the Jacksonville Jaguars, who were playing well, but just got thumped by the San Francisco 49ers. If the playoffs were today, the Texans would be the seventh seed and honestly, this is not a team I would want to face right now. C.J. Stroud is not playing like a rookie and this team could make things difficult for any team in the conference.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (6 - 3)
If I didn't know any better, I would have said the Pittsburgh Steelers were a below .500 team. Somehow, they continue to win and sit in good shape at 6 - 3; however, they play in the toughest division in the conference, possibly in the whole league. Any of the four teams is capable of beating anyone in the division. I think the Ravens are the best team in the AFC North, but the Browns defense will keep them alive for the division and we know how good the Bengals can be.
5. Cleveland Browns (6 - 3)
Speaking of the Browns, they will be without Deshaun Watson for the remainder of the season. Not like he was performing at a high level anyway. This team is all about their defense, which will keep them in just about every game, but their offense will keep them from a division crown or from getting bounced early in the playoffs if they make it in.