Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker

Here are the most interesting stories in the AFC North:

• Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com reports Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer will not have surgery on his injured right elbow, but simply plans to rest until it feel betters.

Morning take: We’re hearing that it’s just a strain, which is good news. We’ve been saying for at least a week now that Palmer needs to sit long term until things feel right. There’s no reason in his case to rush back on the field.

• Speaking of the Bengals, in the battle of No. 85s Gene Collier of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says the Steelers’ Nate Washington is doing better than Cincinnati Bengals’ Pro Bowl receiver Chad Ocho Cinco.

Morning take: We’re not sure this is a fair statement. Collier doesn’t take into account the amount of attention Chad Ocho Cinco draws, and the single coverage Nate Washington often faces. Washington plays his role well in Pittsburgh, but the Bengals’ 8-5 remains the better player.

• Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore Sun writes the Ravens desperately need to break their three-game losing streak Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

Morning take: This is an intriguing matchup of a pair of 2-3 teams in the AFC. Both clubs are just a few plays away from 4-1, and now the Ravens and Dolphins battling each other to stay in contention.

• Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer believes the Browns’ secondary is now a position of strength.

Morning take: Indeed, this unit is growing up fast. And it’s doing it without safety Sean Jones, who has been the quarterback of the secondary. That’s the surprising part.