AFC North Notebook: Bengals Staying the Course, Ravens Turn to Simpson, Steelers Steady with Tomlin
As the AFC North playoff picture tightens, the Bengals, Ravens, and Steelers are each facing pivotal moments-some involving health, others involving leadership. Let’s break down what’s happening in Cincinnati, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh as we head into the final stretch of the regular season.
Bengals: No Shake-Up Expected in the Front Office or on the Sidelines
Despite a season that’s fallen short of expectations-and a shutout loss to the Ravens in Week 15 that seemed to sap the remaining energy from the Bengals’ sideline-there’s no indication that Cincinnati is preparing to make major changes at the top.
Duke Tobin, the Bengals’ de facto general manager, remains firmly entrenched in his role. Within the organization, Tobin is viewed as nearly untouchable, operating with a level of trust and authority that mirrors the franchise’s top leadership. Simply put: he’s not going anywhere.
As for head coach Zac Taylor, his job appears equally secure. Taylor is under contract through the 2027 season, thanks to a five-year extension signed after the 2022 campaign.
And if history is any guide, the Bengals don’t rush coaching decisions. Former head coach Marvin Lewis was a fixture in Cincinnati for years, and the franchise has shown a tendency to ride out contracts rather than make impulsive moves.
Add in owner Mike Brown’s well-known patience and quarterback Joe Burrow’s continued backing of Taylor, and it’s clear the Bengals are leaning toward continuity.
Even on the defensive side, where results have been underwhelming for two straight seasons under different coordinators, the most likely scenario is that defensive coordinator Al Golden gets another year to right the ship. The logic? Stability, not upheaval, is the preferred path forward in Cincinnati.
Burrow Remains the Franchise Cornerstone
Joe Burrow’s season may be over due to injury, but his presence still looms large over every decision the Bengals make. After the Week 15 loss to Baltimore, Burrow looked visibly deflated-understandably so, given the grind of another injury-plagued season and the team’s underperformance.
Some around the league have drawn comparisons between Burrow and Andrew Luck, who walked away from football early after years of battling injuries. But those close to Burrow push back on that narrative. They see a competitor frustrated by a lost season, not a quarterback contemplating an early exit.
Burrow himself has made it clear: he’s not going anywhere. Asked about his long-term future, Burrow said flat-out, “I’m going to be playing [football] for a long time.” When pressed on whether he could see himself playing elsewhere in 2026, he didn’t hesitate: “I can’t see that, no.”
That kind of commitment matters, especially in an offseason where the Bengals will be focused on keeping their franchise quarterback happy. And one of the biggest reasons they’re expected to stay the course with Zac Taylor?
Burrow’s relationship with him. The two have built a strong rapport, and Burrow continues to voice confidence in the coaching staff.
“I think we have great coaches,” Burrow said this week. “I think we’re consistently put in good positions to make plays and do our best.”
Meanwhile, wide receiver Tee Higgins remains in the league’s concussion protocol, another blow to an offense that’s struggled to find consistency all year.
Ravens: Trenton Simpson Steps Up After Buchanan Injury
Baltimore’s defense took a hit in Week 15 when rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan went down with a season-ending torn ACL. But as is often the case with the Ravens, they have a next-man-up plan ready to go.
Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed that third-year linebacker Trenton Simpson will take over Buchanan’s role moving forward. Simpson has quietly been turning heads in limited action, and Harbaugh didn’t hold back in his praise.
“Trent had a really good game,” Harbaugh said. “He’s been practicing great. Every time he’s played, he’s played well.”
Simpson will slide into the WILL linebacker role in certain personnel packages, and Harbaugh made it clear that this shift won’t impact star safety Kyle Hamilton’s workload.
“It doesn’t really affect Kyle,” Harbaugh said. “Trent plays at the WILL linebacker spot… he’s played great.
Played good against the run and played good against the pass in the reps he’s had. I’m really not worried about it at all.”
That confidence speaks volumes about how Baltimore views Simpson’s development-and it’s another example of the Ravens’ ability to plug in young talent without missing a beat.
Steelers: No Panic, Just Business as Usual with Tomlin
Mike Tomlin’s future in Pittsburgh is once again a topic of conversation, but inside the building, there’s no sense of urgency-or drama. The Steelers are expected to address Tomlin’s contract this offseason, and there’s a strong belief that if his 2027 option isn’t picked up, an extension will be on the table.
One league source put it plainly: “If they don’t, and Tomlin has success in 2026, the team would most likely extend him.”
Tomlin’s loyalty to the Steelers remains unwavering, and there’s little indication he’s looking elsewhere. Despite the outside noise that always seems to build when Pittsburgh hits a rough patch, the organization isn’t flinching.
“There’s no panic in the building,” a source said. “That’s how weeks like [Week 14] pay off.
The people there [including team president Art Rooney II] aren’t on social media. It’s business-like there.
Mike identifies what the problem is and he digs into the film with his staff to fix it. It’s really that simple.”
That approach has been the hallmark of Tomlin’s tenure-steady, focused, and unbothered by the noise. As long as that continues, don’t expect any sudden changes on the Steelers’ sideline.
Bottom Line
In a division known for its intensity and tradition, the Bengals, Ravens, and Steelers are each navigating the end of the season with a clear sense of direction. Cincinnati is betting on stability around Joe Burrow.
Baltimore is trusting its depth and development pipeline. And Pittsburgh, as always, is letting Tomlin do what he does best-keep the ship steady.
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, the AFC North remains one of the most fascinating divisions in football-not just for what happens on the field, but for how these franchises handle the pressure off it.