The AFC North is arguably the best division in the NFL. Odds makers have all four teams in the division projected to go over at least nine wins. Whichever team wins this division will prove themselves to be a true contender for the Super Bowl. All things considered, how the Steelers matchup with the other three teams will be a large factor in their ability to contend.
Cincinnati Bengals
The most formidable of the three opponents, the Bengals are going to be a real challenge for the Steelers. Their over/under win total is set at 11.5, which is tied for the highest mark in the league. They are also early favorites to win the division.
Last season, the Bengals were just three points short of beating the Chiefs and advancing to the Superbowl. In addition, they won 12 out of their 16 games in the regular season (Bills game canceled due to Hamlin). Quarterback Joe Burrow has staked his claim as one of the premier talents league-wide and as long as he is playing the Bengals will be good.
Despite the Bengals prowess in 2022, they split in their two games against the Steelers. In the opening game of the season, the Steelers beat the Bengals 23-20 in overtime. The Steelers defense was extremely impressive, intercepting Joe Burrow on four occasions and sacking him seven times. Mitchell Trubisky led the offense, which was mediocre at best.
In the second matchup of the season, the Bengals came out on top 37-30. This game was a much different story. Kenny Pickett was quarterbacking for the Steelers and the offense was much improved. The defense was lackluster, however they still intercepted Burrow twice.
The main takeaway from both games in 2022 is that the Bengals are not unbeatable. If the offense can continue the improvement it saw under Pickett, the Steelers can score on them. Furthermore, if the defense can continue to average three interceptions a game against Burrow, the Steelers should have a great chance to split or even take both games
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are the Steelers longest and most competitive rivals. With a former MVP quarterback and great culture, they are always a strong opponent.
In 2022, the Ravens and Steelers played two extremely close games, each winning one of them. The first game was played with both teams’ backup quarterbacks. Defenses battled and ultimately the Ravens came out on top.
In the second matchup, Pickett returned to lead the Steelers to a 16-13 win. He drove the team down the field at the end of the game for a last second touchdown to win. While this was a massive turning point for Pickett, the Ravens were still without Lamar Jackson so not much can be taken from this game.
Overall, there is not too much that can be learned from the 2022 matchups. Both teams will be very different in 2023. It’s almost impossible to predict these games anyways because of how intense the rivalry is. Typically, no matter the talent of both teams, the Steelers will win at least one of the games.
Cleveland Browns
The Steelers have quite literally dominated the Cleveland Browns over the last decade. In their last 30 meetings, the Steelers are 23-6-1. However, in recent years the Browns vs. Steelers matchup has been closer.
The Browns are a much improved organization from where they have been. They have a stable GM and solid roster. Nonetheless, in 2022, the Browns and Steelers each won one game. Once again, the loss came when Kenny Pickett was on the sideline. Although, the Steelers defeated the Browns in week 18, which was after the Browns were eliminated from the playoffs.
It’s hard to judge the games from 2022 as they will likely look much different in 2023. The Steelers have the better culture, coach, and the rosters are comparable. It’s best to trust the history and pick the Steelers to win at least one if not both games
Conclusion
The Steelers went 3-3 in division play in 2022, and the team can only improve. In 2023, look for the Steelers to win at least three division games with upside to win four or five.
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Feature image courtesy of Steelers.com
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