For the first time since 1994, the Cleveland Browns own sole possession of the division lead in the month of November. At 6-3, the team sits atop the AFC North with seven games left in the 2014 season.
Mike Pettine's former boss, Rex Ryan, and the New York Jets foiled the Steelers' attempt to take the division lead, upsetting Pittsburgh 20-13 on Sunday behind veteran quarterback Michael Vick. The Steelers own a 6-4 record heading into next Monday's game against Tennessee. The loss to the Jets snaps a three-game winning streak for Mike Tomlin, Ben Roethlisberger and company.
Two weeks from Thanksgiving, the AFC North is still the only division in football where all four teams remain above .500. The Browns are a half a game above the Steelers, the Cincinnati Bengals (5-3-1) and Ravens (6-4) who beat the Titans 21-7 in Baltimore on Sunday.
The AFC has exceeded many NFL experts' expectations thus far. Heading into Sunday night, the Browns are one of five teams with a 6-3 record or better.
Next Sunday, Cleveland will host the Houston Texans (4-5) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Quarterback Ryan Mallet will be making his first start for the Texans, who are on their bye week.
