AFC North

AFC North

The AFC North is one of the four divisions of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). Established in 2002 during the NFL's realignment, the division consists of four teams: the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

History

The AFC North was created as part of the NFL's realignment plan in 2002, which was designed to balance the number of teams in each division and to accommodate the addition of the Houston Texans as an expansion team. Prior to the realignment, the teams that now comprise the AFC North were part of the AFC Central division, which existed from 1970 to 2001.

AFC Central

The AFC Central was formed in 1970 as part of the AFL-NFL merger. The original teams included the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, and the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans). The division underwent several changes over the years, with the addition and relocation of teams, until it was dissolved in 2002.

Teams

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens were established in 1996 when the Cleveland Browns relocated to Baltimore. The team has been successful in the AFC North, winning multiple division titles and two Super Bowl championships (XXXV and XLVII).

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals were founded in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League (AFL) and joined the NFL in 1970. The Bengals have won several division titles and have appeared in the Super Bowl three times, most recently in Super Bowl LVI.

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns were founded in 1946 and joined the NFL in 1950. The team was inactive from 1996 to 1998 due to the relocation to Baltimore, but the franchise was reactivated in 1999. The Browns have a storied history, although they have struggled in recent decades.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most successful franchises in NFL history, with six Super Bowl championships. Founded in 1933, the Steelers have a strong rivalry with the other teams in the AFC North, particularly the Ravens.

Rivalries

The AFC North is known for its intense rivalries, particularly between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. These matchups are often characterized by their physical style of play and have significant implications for playoff positioning.

Division Championships

Since its inception in 2002, the AFC North has been competitive, with each team winning the division title at various times. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have been the most successful teams in the division, frequently competing for the top spot.

Playoff Success

Teams from the AFC North have consistently been strong contenders in the playoffs. The division has produced multiple Super Bowl champions, with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens both achieving success on the NFL's biggest stage.

Also see

• American Football Conference
• National Football League
• AFC East
• AFC West
• AFC South