AFC North News

A lot has to happen, but it's still possible for three AFC North teams to land a spot in the playoffs.

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs, one of the NFL's best pass rushers, has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts because of a knee injury, the team said on Wednesday.

NOVEMBER 15: Chad Ochocinco #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals makes a catch ahead of Ike Taylor #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 15, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Unless the Cincinnati Bengals completely fall apart, the Steelers will be battling for a wild card spot in order to make the playoffs.

As the old adage goes, "If it's not broke, don't fix it." In this case for the Cincinnati Bengals, re-energized running back Cedric Benson's injured hip prompted the current AFC North leaders to sign mercurial running back Larry Johnson this week as a precautionary measure.

He didn't blame the wide receivers for running incorrect pass routes, even if one of them seemed to be singling him out.

When asked what he thought about the execution of his offense, colorful Tampa Bay coach John McKay once sarcastically said, "I'm all in favor it." His Buccaneers of the 1970s were dreadful.

With a season sweep of the Ravens and Steelers can we finally believe in the Bengals? Guidelines: Fan feedback should be within the guidelines for the NFL community .

Tom: Were you surprised that the Cleveland Browns didn't throw the ball downfield more and challenge the Ravens' secondary? What did the Browns have to lose? Mike Preston: Anybody who has watched the Ravens play this year knows the way to beat them is to throw the ball downfield.

Ben Roethlisberger felt out of sync all day in the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense.

The shirts had orange, block letters that spelled out NDCQ, apparently referring to a phrase players have used during their surprising season: Not dead, can't quit.

The Steelers put linebacker Arnold Harrison on waivers. At least one head rolled because of the inability of the Steelers' kickoff team to make a tackle in the past four games, and coach Mike Tomlin even fired a zinger at his own return specialist as he tries to correct a problem that may have cost them the AFC North Division title.

The Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday cut kicker Steve Hauschka, who missed a 36-yard field goal and had a conversion blocked in Monday night's 16-0 win over Cleveland.

Polamalu questionable 'at best' for Chiefs game Visanthe Shiancoe #81 of the Minnesota Vikings can't make a catch with pressure from Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on October 25, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Running back Larry Johnson has agreed to terms with the Cincinnati Bengals to be one of their backups, giving the AFC North leaders depth at the position, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

Watching the Steelers stumble their way through the first half of their Monday night game in Denver had to add to Bengals' fans optimism about Cincinnati's prospects this Sunday in Pittsburgh.

Rashard Mendenhall has 528 yards and four touchdowns in five starts this season.

When Josh Cribbs returned a kickoff for a touchdown against the Steelers, it was because he's the NFL's top special-teams talent.

Ah, it's that time of the week again. The point of this preview is to get you all excited for Monday Night Football.

In Week 10 of the NFL, the Bengals took control of the AFC North, the Saints remained undefeated, the Broncos lost their third in a row and the Packers upset the Cowboys.