Are the Browns for real? Trade deadline plans for the Steelers, Ravens, Bengals

Plus, the sentiment around international games and predictions for the Week 7 matchups featuring AFC North teams.

By Zac Jackson · The Athletic

Published: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 9:30 AM

Key Things to Know

Beat writers debate whether the 4-2 Cleveland Browns can sustain their first-place standing in the AFC North.
Writers express skepticism over whether Deshaun Watson and the Browns offense can maintain fourth-quarter comeback success.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are highlighted as needing wide receiver reinforcements ahead of the November 10 trade deadline.

The Story in 60 Seconds

NFL beat writers evaluated the first-place Cleveland Browns and analyzed trade deadline strategies across the AFC North. While Zac Jackson and Mike DeFabo highlight Cleveland's strong defense and young core, Jeff Zrebiec and Paul Dehner Jr. question whether Deshaun Watson's offense can sustainably maintain division contention.

Looking toward the November 10 deadline, the writers expect Pittsburgh to pursue a wide receiver for Aaron Rodgers, while Baltimore and Cleveland could target depth depending on immediate results. Cincinnati appears likely to stand pat unless injuries force action.

Read the full article on The Athletic

Are the Browns for real? Trade deadline plans for the Steelers, Ravens, Bengals

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