What teams are in the AFC North? A closer look at the teams that define the division

What teams are in the AFC North? A closer look at the teams that define the division

Kevin Omuya
updated at July 27, 2023 at 10:55 AM

What teams are in the AFC North? The AFC North is a component division within the NFL. The collective consists of four professional football franchises: Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals. The Pittsburgh Steelers are widely acknowledged as a prominent and distinguished team in American football, boasting a notable historical record of accomplishments, encompassing triumphs in the highly esteemed Super Bowl.

What teams are in the AFC North?
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Steven Sims (82) makes a leaping catch during their game against Baltimore Ravens on January 1, 2023, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. Photo: Charles Brock
Source: Getty Images

Formerly referred to as the AFC Central, the division underwent a notable transformation to establish itself as the esteemed AFC North. In a unique and consequential development, the league experienced a substantial reorganization in 2002.

The AFC North has undeniably given rise to exceptional teams in the league, even birthing a Super Bowl champion. Since the break of the 21st century, this division has consistently showcased its extraordinary prowess, leaving an unforgettable impression. In a notable reformation, the division formerly recognized as the AFC Central underwent rebranding in 2002, ultimately emerging as the esteemed region.

What NFL teams are in the AFC North?

The AFC North is home to four collegiate football teams: the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and Baltimore Ravens. The groups made up a sizable portion of the former AFC Central division. They joined the league in 2002.

How many teams are in the AFC North?

The region consists of four teams. Below are the AFC North's division teams.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

What teams are in the AFC North?
T.J. Watt (90) of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 01, 2023, in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo: Rob Carr
Source: Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers dominated the NFL throughout the 1970s, setting a new standard of excellence by winning four consecutive Super Bowls between 1974 and 1979. In 1974, with legendary quarterback Terry Bradshaw at the helm, they won their first game in franchise history. Terry was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

They have been the American football champions and won six Super Bowls. They successfully defended their title in 1975. Ben Roethlisberger led them to their last two titles in the 2000s. In 2006 and 2009, the group ultimately prevailed.

2. Baltimore Ravens

How many teams are in the AFC North?
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on January 1, 2023, in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo: Patrick Smith
Source: Getty Images

They are the only team in the AFC North division to have attained success in a Super Bowl, with both victories taking place during the 21st century. They achieved their first Super Bowl triumph in 2000 by emerging victorious over the New York Giants, representing the NFC. The team attained their second and most recent victory in the Super Bowl in 2012 through the defeat of the San Francisco 49ers.

The Ravens have a distinguished and successful history in the AFC. They have received praise for their fearsome defensive abilities, led by All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis' excellent leadership. The squad runs a complicated rushing offence anchored by accomplished running back Ray Rice, who has routinely performed admirably in recent years.

How many Super Bowl rings do the Ravens have?

The team has achieved significant success, winning twice in the Super Bowl. Since 2000, the team has been involved in 13 postseason games, with their most notable achievements being two appearances in the Super Bowl. The team achieved two additional Super Bowl triumphs in 2001 and 2013.

3. Cincinnati Bengals

How many teams are in the AFC North?
Sam Hubbard (94) of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 29, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. Photo: Kevin C. Cox
Source: Getty Images

Since joining the NFL as an expansion franchise in 1968, the team has made three trips to the Super Bowl, where it has lost each time. The San Francisco 49ers defeated them twice, and the Los Angeles Rams defeated them once.

Thirty years after their initial participation, in 2021, the Bengals will once again compete in the Super Bowl. They achieved a similar playoff qualification in 1988. In the history of their franchise, they have 385 victories.

Why are they called the Cincinnati Bengals?

In their honour, a local professional football team from 1937 to 1941, Brown adopted the name "Bengals" for his team. Bengals was the name given to the group by Hal Pennington after his mother's Bengal stove.

4. Cleveland Browns

How many teams are in the AFC North?
Deshaun Watson (4) of the Cleveland Browns smiles as he stretches during the Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 25, 2022, in Berea, Ohio. Photo: Nick Cammett
Source: Getty Images

The Cleveland Browns have never won the Super Bowl among the other teams. Long before the Super Bowl, they won four straight NFL championships from 1950 through 1964.

Fans chose the nickname "Browns" in a contest held shortly after the team's creation in 1946. The team's first head coach, Paul Brown, rose to prominence in Ohio after leading Ohio State University to the college football national championship.

Which is the best team in the AFC North?

The undisputed champions of the region have consistently showcased their unrivalled prowess in the playoffs. With an astonishing eight appearances at the prestigious Super Bowl, they have proven time and time again that they are a force to be reckoned with. And when it comes to victory, they have triumphed an incredible six times, solidifying their status as true champions.

AFC North Divisional Championships

What NFL teams are in the AFC North?
Martin Emerson Jr. (23) and Denzel Ward (21) of the Cleveland Browns walk off the field after the Cleveland Browns mandatory veteran minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 6, 2023, in Berea, Ohio. Photo: Nick Cammett
Source: Getty Images

Steelers hold the record for the most wins in the region with 24 victories. The team has won six out of the eight Super Bowls that have been contested. Cleveland has not yet attained a championship title, whereas Cincinnati has achieved this feat on three occasions, and Baltimore has done so twice.

They are a powerhouse in the league with an impressive track record of 10 division titles. This remarkable achievement solidifies their position as the second most accomplished franchise in the league, trailing only the legendary Steelers. Experience the thrill of victory as the club emerges as champions in the highly anticipated NFC Championship of 2021. Their remarkable performance led to astounding six-division titles.

What teams are in the AFC North? The four teams mentioned in this article compete fiercely against one another each season, creating a captivating rivalry that often showcases some of the league's most intense and exciting games. With a rich history and passionate fan bases, the AFC North remains a prominent and competitive division in the NFL.

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Authors
Kevin Omuya photo
Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.