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AFC North Notebook: Browns upset Saints, Bengals rout Falcons

Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Every Monday and Friday, theScore's NFL editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the AFC North Notebook.

Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals roll at home. Despite injuries to some key players, the Bengals cruised to a 24-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons, starting the season 2-0 for the first time since 2006.

Bernard establishes his role. Leading the team in both carries and receptions, running back Giovani Bernard finished the game with 169 yards from scrimmage, with most of it coming in an impressive first half.

Green dealing with foot injury. Star wide receiver A.J. Green left Sunday's game with a foot injury, and was unable to return. The injury is a ligament sprain, but Green is not expected to miss significant time.

Burfict exits with stinger. An injury forced linebacker Vontaze Burfict to leave for the second consecutive game to start the season. Burfict suffered a concussion in Week 1 and a stinger Sunday against the Falcons.

Cleveland Browns

Browns upset Saints in home opener. In one of the surprise games of the week, a late field goal drive saw the Browns come away with a 26-24 win over a Saints team many expected to be Super Bowl contenders by season's end.

"I can't lie, it feels great." Browns head coach Mike Pettine was noticeably excited after a win that was both the team's first of the season and the first of his head coaching career. His team was pretty excited in the locker room, too.

Browns defense shines. Matched up with one of the NFL's top offenses, the Browns' multiple-look defense managed to make things difficult for the Saints throughout, highlighted by a 62-yard interception return touchdown from Tashaun Gipson in the second quarter.

Manziel sees limited action. After some talk that Johnny Manziel would see some snaps in a specific package this week, he entered the game for just one read-option play where he handed the ball off to Isaiah Crowell for a two-yard pickup.

Baltimore Ravens

Ravens overcoming distractions. After a convincing win Thursday night over the Steelers, the Ravens showed their ability to overcome their current off-field distractions. Coach John Harbaugh called it a "football cocoon."

Smith continues to exceed expectations. While he may be on the back end of his career, veteran free-agent addition Steve Smith is not playing like it so far. With another 71 yards receiving, he now has 189 yards on the season, leading the team by a wide margin.

Ray Rice to appeal suspension. Released and suspended indefinitely, former Ravens running back Ray Rice is set to appeal his suspension. He is expected to argue he told the league and team the truth in their initial investigations.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers struggle on both sides of the ball. In a disappointing 26-6 loss Thursday night against the Ravens, the Steelers had their share of struggles on both sides of the ball, sparking some concern for the team's fortunes this season.

Roethlisberger claims he is underappreciated. Ben Roethlisberger feels that, in light of the team's recent struggles, many are quick to forget the two Super Bowl victories he helped the Steelers to in his first 10 years in the NFL.

Antonio Brown fined for kick. After an attempted hurdle resulted in more of a kick to the face of Browns punter Spencer Lanning in Week 1, wide receiver Antonio Brown was fined $8,200 by the NFL.

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