The 2014 NFL season has been an exciting one so far.

With just one month left to play, each and every game is critical moving forward. Home field advantage and playoff hopes will always be determined on how teams play within their division. This season, the AFC North has been the strongest division in the league. The AFC North has a combined record of 31 wins, 20 losses and one tie.

Leading the way is the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are 8-4-1, but they've been inconsistent lately. The biggest disappointment for the Bengals this season has been quarterback Andy Dalton, who has just 15 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Despite Dalton not playing like he's capable of, the Bengals are still riding atop the AFC North.

The Bengals have yet to lose consecutive games this season, and they swept the Baltimore Ravens. If the Ravens and Bengals are tied at season's end, the Bengals have the tie-breaker. Marvin Lewis is on the hot seat, having not won a single playoff game in his 11 years as the Bengals head coach. The Bengals control their own destiny going forward, but they play a tough schedule to close out the season.

Bengals Remaining Schedule: At Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, at Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in second place in the AFC North with an 8-5 record.

Just last week, the Steelers went in to Cincinnati and dominated the Bengals 42-21. The Steelers now have the No. 2 ranked offense in the league, only behind the Indianapolis Colts. Ben Roethlisberger has an impressive 29 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. Running back Le'Veon Bell has the second most rushing yards in the league with 1,231. Antonio Brown has inserted himself as an elite wide receiver in this league, with his 11 touchdowns.

The Steelers don't have the same powerful defense they once had, but they can definitely win this division. Mike Tomlin has led Pittsburgh to two Super Bowl appearances as the Steelers' head coach. The Steelers 23rd ranked pass defense will obviously have to improve.

Steelers Remaining Schedule: At Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals

Perhaps the most balanced team in the AFC North is the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens are currently third in the AFC North with an 8-5 record. On a positive side, the Ravens have the easiest schedule to close out the year. On the negative side, the lost both games to the Bengals this year. The only way they can win the AFC North is if they win it outright over the Bengals.

The Ravens rank seventh in points scored and sixth in points allowed. The biggest problem for this team has been losing close games. Four of the Ravens' five losses were by seven points or fewer. It's going to be difficult with Haloti Ngata out (suspension), but the Ravens always have a chance with Terrell Suggs and John Harbaugh.

Ravens Remaining Schedule: Jacksonville Jaguars, at Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have finally made the move to start Johnny Manziel over Brian Hoyer. At 7-6, the Browns still have a chance at making the playoffs. Hoyer has played terrible over the last month throwing just one touchdown pass in that span. The Browns have lost their last two games, to the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills.

Running the ball is becoming more of an issue, as the Browns have just three 100-yard rushing games in their last eight contests. Manziel will certainly help the Browns' rushing attack. The Browns have already defeated the Bengals, and split games with the Steelers this season.

Browns Remaining Schedule: Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, at Baltimore Ravens

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