Bengals a Win Away From Controlling AFC North

The AFC North is not shaping up as expected. After three black and blue Steelers-Ravens games last year, everyone expected that Pittsburgh and Baltimore would face off for the control of the division again this year. But when Cincinnati finished off its sweep of the Ravens on Sunday, they put themselves in prime position.

The Bengals effectively have a three-game lead against the Ravens -- two games in the standings plus the head-to-head tiebreaker advantage. Baltimore and Pittsburgh also have two head-to-head games left on the schedule while Cincinnati only has one game against the Steelers and one nearly guaranteed win against the Browns left in the division.

Add it up, and it's easy to see how the Ravens could prove the spoiler in the division, but it's a lot tougher to explain how they will win the division, even with a relatively easy schedule to finish the season. On the other hand, Cincinnati is one more win away from taking control of the AFC North.

Yesterday's win was a strong sign that this isn't the usual Bengals team. Midway through the fourth quarter, Chad Ochocinco fumbled around midfield with Cincinnati holding a 10-point lead. In past years, that would have been the point where the Bengals fell apart. But instead of crumbling, the Bengals defense stiffened up and forced Baltimore to attempt a long field goal. When Steven Hauschka missed the field goal the Bengals' win was virtually assured.

For Cincinnati, next week's game against the Steelers becomes the biggest game the team has had since Kimo Von Oelhoffen shredded Carson Palmer's knee in the 2005 playoffs. Even if Pittsburgh beats Denver tonight, the Bengals could take a two-game lead on the rest of the division with a win next week (they would hold tiebreakers against the Ravens and Steelers).

And while Pittsburgh and Baltimore will be beating up each other in two head-to-head games, the Bengals remaining schedule includes games with the Chiefs, Raiders, Browns and Lions. Looking at that, a win next week will make it hard for Cincinnati to finish any worse than 11-5.