Not too many surprises in the AFC North in Week 1… but here’s the breakdown…

Baltimore Ravens: W (1-0) against Chiefs (0-1). The Ravens aired it out and totaled more than 500 yards of total offense – good for best in the AFC and second best in the NFL. But we didn’t really learn too much about this Ravens team. Beating up on what may be the league’s worst team, and giving up some big plays at crucial times, doesn’t bode well. In short, the Ravens are still a mystery. Don’t bet on 500 yards against the Steelers. This Week: at San Diego (1-0).

Pittsburgh Steelers: W (1-0) against Titans (0-1). Classic Steelers football on Thursday. The defense took a few drives to find its feet, but shut the Titans down later in the game and never let things get out of hand. Big Ben and the offense took a few shots, but made the plays when they had to. Many fans had to be wondering why the Steelers were even in the game in the third quarter – but that’s how good football teams play. This week: at Chicago (0-1).

Cleveland Browns: L (0-1) against Vikings (1-0). The Browns introduced themselves as the division whipping boys this season with a blowout loss against Minnesota. The Vikings proved they are deserving of mentions as Super Bowl contenders, running and throwing all over the Browns. Brady Quinn and the offense showed some signs of life, but never made it count against a tough Vikings defense. This week: at Denver (1-0).

Cincinnati Bengals: L (0-1) against Broncos (1-0). The Bengals were 20 seconds away from one of the bigger upsets of the week against the Broncos. The Bengals defense was surprisingly stout against a decent Broncos offense, but they still managed to lose in ridiculous fashion – a great defensive deflection found its way into the hands of Brandon Stokley for a an 87 yard game-winner. This Week: at Green Bay (1-0).

Making Gains:

Joe Flacco, Ravens – First 300 yard game of his career, three touchdown passes. Take that “game manager” stereotype. We’ll see how long the passing-frenzy lasts, but for now, Flacco is showing he belongs atop the division with Big Ben and Pamer.

Josh Cribbs, Browns – Returned a punt for a TD against the Vikings for the only meaningful score by the Browns on Sunday. Cribbs is taking Devon Hester’s place as the best return man in the league, and he may be the only reason the Browns win a few games this season.

Troy Polamalu, Steelers – Injured and out for 3-6 weeks now. But his first quarter Thursday night was the the best 15 minutes of football you’ll ever see.

Todd Heap, Ravens – Re-established himself as one of the league’s best tight ends, catching five passes for over 70 yards and a touchdown. With Heap in gear, the Ravens offense can match up with anyone.

Slipping Away:

Carson Palmer, Bengals – Two interceptions against the Broncos, keeping the game close enough for the big play that changed it all. Palmer is going to have to work to regain his Pro Bowl form after his 2007 injury and missing most of 2008.

Willie Parker, Steelers – Fast Willie managed just 19 yards on 13 carries against the Titans. The Steelers inability to move the ball on the ground is a large part of why the Steelers were never able to separate and why Big Ben had to carry the team to another OT win.

Browns Defense – The Browns allowed Adrian Peterson to run all over them for a whopping 180 yards and 3 TDs. And despite getting 4 sacks on Brett Favre, they couldn’t control Favre or the Vikings receiving corps. Even against lesser runners, this defense is going to struggle and make for a looooong season in Cleveland.

What to Watch…

Road Tested: The entire division is on the road this week before beginning division play in Week 3. How will the Ravens and Steelers especially handle their first tests away from home? How much worse will the Browns and Bengals look without a friendly home crowd?

Offensive Resurgences: The Ravens face a much tougher defense this week in San Diego and the Steelers get another test in Chicago, how will both offenses handle the heavy pass rush?

Turnover Trouble: The entire division had issues with turnovers and big plays in Week 1. Can the Ravens and Steelers eliminate the mistakes or will they start to pay for them?