Despite the Browns being idle, Week Five Proved the AFC is Wide Open

While the Cleveland Browns sat idle over the weekend, the most of the AFC was in action with varying results that actually painted a curious picture about the state of the conference.

Prior to the season, the assumption was that the AFC would be riddled with juggernaut teams, particularly given the quarterback talent throughout the conference. With names like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson, among others, there's no question the AFC was stacked coming into the year.

Through five weeks though, injuries and intra-conference cannibalizing seem to present an AFC that is still very much up for grabs.

Pittsburgh Steelers 17, Baltimore Ravens 10

This game served the most important game of the weekend for Cleveland, despite Browns fans hatred for both teams. Somehow, someway the Steelers found a way to win, despite boasting a meager offense that has just four touchdowns this season. Sure, seeing Pittsburgh in first place is a scarier than AMC's Halloween movie marathon , but it beats the alternative which would have been Baltimore holding a 3-0 record in the division already. This result keeps the AFC North VERY wide open, and sort of suggests none of these teams can be considered elite just yet.

Cincinnati Bengal 34, Arizona Cardinals 20

The other result from the weekend that more directly impacts the Browns. The Bengals are temporarily in the rearview mirror of the AFC North, but don't write them off just yet. Joe Burrow finally looks healthy, going 36-46 passing, for 317 yards and three touchdowns – all of which went to his partner in crime Ja'Marr Chase. If Burrow is back to normal of course the Bengals are a threat in the division and the conference. That said, it's still an uphill battle for Cincinnati with no AFC wins to this point.

Jacksonville Jaguars 25, Buffalo Bills 20

Fresh off of that beat down of the Dolphins last week, the Bills looked poised to stake their claim as the top team in the AFC. The London...err Jacksonville Jaguars had other plans, spoiling the Bills trip across the pond. Jacksonville was a hot topic in the preseason but needed a signature win like this after a shaky start. Meanwhile, the injuries are starting to pile up for Buffalo after losing top corner Tre'Davious White for the season a week ago, now key linebacker Matt Milano is lost as well. Both of these teams are a little hot and cold at the moment.

Kansas City Chiefs 27, Minnesota Vikings 20

Until further notice, Kansas City will stand alone as the AFC's top team. They're the reigning champs and last time anyone checked, Patrick Mahomes is still their starting quarterback. But Kansas City hasn't played like an absolute wagon so far. Three of their four wins have been decided by one possession. It also remains to be seen if Travis Kelce's injury from Sunday becomes a longer-term situation.

Miami Dolphins 31, New York Giants 10

Miami would easily be considered the AFC's top team if they had at least kept is close with Buffalo in Week Four. But that loss proved they may not be invincible. They got back on track this week. Still more for this team to prove.

Indianapolis Colts 23, Tennessee Titans 16

The Titans are bad. The Colts play tough, but now it's expected to be without rookie, starting quarterback Anthony Richardson for a longer period of time, which is notable for the Browns, who travel to Indy in two weeks. Tennessee doesn't seem like a major threat in the conference, but Indy could potentially find itself in the wild card picture for a while.

Atlanta Falcons 21, Houston Texans 19

CJ Stroud continues to shine but this game sums up the Texans well; they're competitive, just not ready to be a contender. They certainly can't be taken lightly though, which is something the Browns need to keep in mind when they head to Houston on Christmas Eve.

New York Jets 31, Denver Broncos 21

It's no secret the trajectory of the Jets plummeted after Aaron Rodgers ruptured his Achilles. Still, this is clearly a team that is going to be in most games, solely because of its defense. Another late December matchup the Browns can't overlook. As for the Broncos, it seems pretty clear through five weeks what they are.

New Orleans Saints 34, New England Patriots 0

How the mighty have fallen. New England may have been eliminated from playoff contention yesterday, and Bill Belichick is apparently on the hot seat.

Monday Night: Green Bay Packers @ Las Vegas Raiders

Regardless of happens on Monday night, the Raiders don't appear to be much of a threat in the AFC.

Los Angeles Chargers: Bye

Like the Browns, the Chargers were also idle in Week Five. After an 0-2 start, Los Angeles has scratched and clawed its way back to 500. Even with Justin Herbert, does anyone really feel like the Chargers trust the Chargers to be contenders?