Joe Flacco Shakes Up AFC North: Did the Browns Just Decide the Division Race?

Joe Flacco is once again shaping the AFC North narrative. The 40-year-old Super Bowl MVP led the Cincinnati Bengals to a dramatic 33-31 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, ending a four-game skid and shaking up the division race. The twist? Flacco was traded to Cincinnati by none other than the Cleveland Browns — a move that could ultimately decide who wins the AFC North in 2025.

The Bengals’ season looked to be slipping away after Joe Burrow’s Week 2 toe injury and three rough starts by backup Jake Browning. But Flacco’s arrival has changed everything. Now, with renewed momentum and a favorable schedule ahead, Cincinnati could become the biggest beneficiary of a decision made by a division rival. And that decision might come back to haunt Pittsburgh and Cleveland alike.

How Joe Flacco and the Browns Are Reshaping the AFC North

The Bengals’ resurgence began with Flacco’s breakout performance against Pittsburgh. He threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns while completing 16 passes to Ja’Marr Chase for 161 yards and a score. Cincinnati also recorded a season-high 142 rushing yards, showing its most balanced offensive outing of the year.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t hide his frustration earlier in the week. He criticized Browns general manager Andrew Berry for trading Flacco within the division, calling it a questionable decision. “Andrew Berry must be a lot smarter than me,” Tomlin said, adding that it “doesn’t make sense” to strengthen a division opponent in need of a quarterback. It’s a comment steeped in 18 years of history — Tomlin and Flacco have faced off 26 times, with the veteran QB winning 13 of those matchups.

The Browns’ move wasn’t just about Flacco. It reflects a broader strategy: Cleveland is focused on the future. The team is evaluating rookie quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, while also holding two first-round picks in 2026. Trading Flacco upgraded a sixth-round pick to a fifth, signaling that the Browns are prioritizing long-term rebuilding over short-term wins.

Still, Cleveland’s decisions could directly impact the division race. They’ll face each AFC North rival once more this season, including matchups against the Steelers in Week 17 and the Bengals in the regular-season finale. Those games could determine playoff seeding — or even the division title itself.

The Ripple Effect Across the Division

The fallout from Cleveland’s trade is being felt beyond Cincinnati. The Steelers must rely on 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers to lead a conservative offense if they want to stay in contention. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens, off to a shocking 1-5 start amid injuries, need Lamar Jackson and their deep roster to rebound quickly to salvage their season.

For the Bengals, Flacco’s impact could extend beyond being a temporary stopgap. His chemistry with Chase has been immediate, and Cincinnati’s offense has regained confidence. A soft upcoming schedule — with the winless New York Jets and struggling Chicago Bears — offers a path to climb the standings before a Week 10 bye. Crucial matchups against Baltimore in Weeks 13 and 15 could further define the AFC playoff picture.

And then there’s the Browns. Despite their struggles, they remain wildcards in the AFC North narrative. Their willingness to part ways with Flacco — the same quarterback who helped lead them to the playoffs in 2023 — has already influenced one major result. And it might influence many more before the season ends.

Joe Flacco’s late-career renaissance is rewriting the AFC North story. And ironically, it’s the Cleveland Browns — who traded him away — that may have the final say in how this race ends.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How many yards did Joe Flacco throw against the Steelers?

Flacco threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns in the Bengals’ 33-31 win over Pittsburgh.

Q2: Why did the Browns trade Joe Flacco?

Cleveland is focused on rebuilding, evaluating rookie quarterbacks, and acquiring future draft capital. They upgraded a sixth-round pick to a fifth in the trade.

Q3: Can the Bengals still win the AFC North without Joe Burrow?

Yes. With Flacco’s experience and immediate impact, Cincinnati has renewed playoff hopes and remains in contention, especially if Burrow returns late in the season.

Q4: What is Mike Tomlin’s reaction to the trade?

Tomlin criticized the Browns’ decision to trade Flacco within the division, calling it a move that strengthens a key rival.

Q5: What’s next for the Browns this season?

Cleveland will continue developing young quarterbacks and faces key division matchups that could impact the playoff race.