The AFC North Plot
For the first time ever, HBO and NFL Films will follow all four teams in the AFC North for their annual Hard Knocks: In Season, aiming to chronicle the inner workings of the rough-and-tumble quartet of squads. The new episodes will feature the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, members of the first division to finish with nothing but winning records, achieved in 2023.
Hard Knocks: In Season The AFC North aired on December 3rd, 2024.
The AFC North Episodes
1. Episode 1
From HBO Sports and NFL Films, television's most acclaimed sports documentary franchise returns with Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North. For the first time, the 18-time Sports Emmy®-winning series delivers its signature, all-access coverage as it documents an entire division's battle for the AFC North crown during the final six weeks of the NFL season, as well as a playoff run for the division-winner and any AFC North Wild Card teams. Over the course of seven episodes, camera crews will follow coach John Harbaugh's Baltimore Ravens, coach Zac Taylor's Cincinnati Bengals, coach Kevin Stefanski's Cleveland Browns, and the Mike Tomlin-coached Pittsburgh Steelers – who have never been featured on Hard Knocks.
2. Episode 2
The Browns and Steelers gameplan for the second matchup in three weeks. Browns QB Jameis Winston reflects on his NFL journey while enjoying some family time. Joined by his legendary dad, Joey Porter Jr. talks about their family's deep-rooted connection to the Steelers. While the Ravens enjoy a bye week, Joe Burrow and the Bengals head to Dallas for a Monday Night Football battle vs. the Cowboys.
3. Episode 3
Coming off a bye, a fully-charged Roquan Smith and the Ravens turn their focus on the New York Giants. Browns defensive back Denzel Ward talks about his path to Cleveland and his nomination for a major NFL award. The Bengals cling to slim playoff hopes, but Ja'Marr Chase isn't ready to throw in the towel. Russell Wilson looks to end the Steelers long record of futility in Philadelphia.
4. Episode 4
It's "rivalry week" in the AFC North: the Browns, led by Myles Garrett as he seeks his 100th QB sack, head to Cincinnati where Joe Burrow and the Bengals are trying to stay alive in the playoff race; meanwhile, head coaches Mike Tomlin (Steelers) and John Harbaugh (Ravens) ready their teams for yet another battle in their storied rivalry.
5. Episode 5
T.J. Watt and the Steelers battle to overcome injuries as they prepare for the third game in 11 days--a Christmas day matchup vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. In Baltimore, the Ravens are facing the same schedule crunch as they hit the road to face the Texans. In Cincinnati, Joe Burrow, Chase Brown, and the Bengals are in must-win mode as they play the Denver Broncos.
6. Episode 6
The final week of the regular season is here. For the Ravens, a win over the Browns gives them the AFC North crown.
7. Episode 7
Wildcard Weekend is here. In the AFC North, it comes down to Ravens vs. Steelers in the season's third installment of football's best rivalry.
8. Episode 8
Only one AFC North team remains standing: the Baltimore Ravens, who turn their focus to their divisional-round battle against the Buffalo Bills.
