AFC North Notebook: Bengals’ Young Core Blossoming, Sanders Stays Grounded, and Watt Eyes Return
As we head into the final stretch of the 2025 season, the AFC North continues to be one of the league’s most compelling divisions - a mix of emerging young talent, gritty veterans, and no shortage of storylines. Let’s take a closer look at where things stand for the Bengals, Browns, and Steelers as the calendar turns toward 2026.
Bengals’ 2023 Draft Class Shaping the Future
If you’re looking for a reason to believe in Cincinnati’s long-term outlook, start with the 2023 draft class. The Bengals are projected to have five starters from that group by 2026 - a testament to both smart scouting and strong player development.
One of the biggest risers? Defensive end Myles Murphy.
After a relatively quiet rookie season, Murphy has stepped into the No. 2 edge rusher role and made it his own. He’s not just filling a spot - he’s producing.
His growth has been steady, and he’s become a reliable force opposite the Bengals’ top pass rusher. That kind of development makes him a prime candidate for an early extension.
Another name to watch: cornerback DJ Turner. He’s been playing at a borderline Pro Bowl level this season, locking down receivers with the kind of consistency that’s hard to teach. Turner’s instincts, speed, and physicality have made him a cornerstone in Lou Anarumo’s defense - and the Bengals would be wise to keep him in stripes long-term.
Safety Jordan Battle had a bumpy start to the year, but he’s found his footing. Now, he’s firmly in the team’s plans for 2026 and beyond. His ability to play downhill and communicate on the back end has helped stabilize the secondary.
And don’t overlook Chase Brown. The second-year running back followed up his breakout 2024 campaign with another strong season.
He’s explosive, decisive, and brings juice to the Bengals’ ground game. While running back extensions are always tricky - given the position’s shelf life and the cap implications - Brown has certainly made a case for himself.
Shedeur Sanders: Locked In on the Present Amid Browns’ Struggles
It’s been a rough stretch for the Browns, who’ve now dropped four straight. With a 1-4 record under quarterback Shedeur Sanders, questions about the future are inevitable - but Sanders isn’t entertaining them.
“I live in the present,” he said when asked about his outlook for 2026. “Nothing’s promised. I stay focused on what I have to do now just to be here next year.”
There’s a maturity in that response. Sanders isn’t ducking accountability - he’s embracing it.
He knows wins matter, clean football matters, and ultimately, the decision on his future isn’t his to make. What is in his control?
His preparation, his play, and his ability to lead.
“I’ve got to do my part,” he added. “I don’t own the organization.
I’m not God. I can’t dictate what’s going to happen each and every day.”
That’s a grounded mindset from a young quarterback navigating a tough stretch. And Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees echoed that sentiment, pointing to steady growth as the goal: “Continue on the right progression he’s on now, continue to make the right decisions, find ways to move the football and score points.”
The Browns may be in a slump, but Sanders is showing the kind of poise that can’t be taught - only tested.
Steelers: Watt Returns to Practice, Metcalf Suspended
In Pittsburgh, the focus is shifting back to defense - and for good reason. T.J.
Watt is back at practice after undergoing surgery to repair a collapsed lung. It’s a big step forward, but his return to the field will depend on how quickly he can ramp up after two weeks of inactivity.
Mike Tomlin called it a “fair estimation” that Watt is recovered, but emphasized the need to regain football shape. And with Watt, that’s not just about conditioning - it’s about timing, explosiveness, and the ability to wreak havoc off the edge. If he’s ready, the Steelers’ defense instantly becomes more dangerous.
On the offensive side, the Steelers will be without wide receiver D.K. Metcalf for the final two games of the season.
He was suspended following a confrontation with a Lions fan in Week 16 - an incident that drew league-wide attention. Tomlin didn’t condone the behavior but made it clear he stands by his player: “He did explain to me why he did what he did.
I don’t condone the behavior, but I support DK.”
The league also handed out a flurry of fines to Steelers players this week:
- Cameron Heyward: $11,593 for taunting
- D.K. Metcalf: $14,491 for a violent gesture
- Payton Wilson: Two separate fines of $7,066 for unnecessary roughness and a blindside block
- **T.J.
Watt**: $11,593 for a late hit
- Jaylen Warren: $17,130 for use of the helmet
It’s been a chippy few weeks for Pittsburgh, and the league office took notice. But if Watt can return and the defense tightens up, the Steelers still have the tools to finish strong.
Final Thoughts
The AFC North remains a battleground - loaded with young talent, veteran leadership, and plenty of drama. The Bengals are building something real with their 2023 class.
The Browns are in search of answers but may have found a steady voice in Sanders. And the Steelers, as always, are leaning on their defense to carry the load.
One thing’s for sure: this division never takes a week off.