Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Here is our take on the most interesting stories within the AFC North:

• Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times writes the Baltimore Ravens have a crucial stretch that involves five of the next six games on the road.

Morning take: That is what made the past two losses for the Ravens so crucial. At 2-2, the team has no cushion to slip away from home, which is a tall task.

• Mark Curnutte of the Cincinnati Enquirer believes the Bengals could be headed for a running back controversy involving Cedric Benson and Chris Perry.

Morning take: The signing of Benson certainly raised eyebrows last week. Most importantly, it should've raise the eyebrows of Perry, who hadn't taken control of the starting job since winning it from Rudi Johnson in training camp.

• Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer provides his scouting report of the Browns' next opponent: the New York Giants.

Morning take: Here is a more concise scouting report: New York is pretty good and playing much better football than Cleveland has all season.

• Scott Brown of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writes defensive end Brett Keisel (calf) has returned to the team and will play Oct. 19 against the Bengals.

Morning take: The Steelers get some good news early. It will only get better as teammates Willie Parker and Casey Hampton also wait for the green light following the bye.