After their shocking Week 15 loss to the Bengals, the Pittsburgh Steelers are becoming much less likely to win the AFC North.
The Steelers started their season 11-0 and as the only undefeated team in the NFL for several weeks.
Their first loss came at the hands of the Washington Football Team in Week 13, and Pittsburgh has been fighting an uphill battle ever since.
Now, the Steelers look to redeem themselves over the next couple weeks. However, their remaining schedule could make that difficult for the struggling offense.
The Steelers are set to take on the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
The Colts defense has proven their ability to control the line of scrimmage and generate pressure on the quarterback. With Pittsburgh’s already crippling run game, Indianapolis may have the upper hand.
Realistically, if the Steelers want to prove themselves and clinch the AFC North title, they are going to have to win their next two games.
If Pittsburgh does not win the AFC North, it is likely that the Browns will remain next in line.
The Browns are currently the No. 5 seed in the AFC standings, as they hold the tiebreaker over the Colts.
Cleveland holds a 10-4 record and has a relatively easy matchup against the New York Jets in Week 16.
Week 17 could be interesting for AFC North football fans if the above scenario plays out.
The Baltimore Ravens have a 9-5 record and are sitting in third place in the AFC North.
Although the Ravens currently hold the No. 8 seed in the AFC standings, they have the easiest remaining schedule left in comparison to the Steelers and the Browns.
The Ravens are scheduled to play the New York Giants at home in Week 16 and the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17.
While the Ravens will not win the division, they are likely to get an AFC Wild Card spot in the playoffs.
If Baltimore wins their next two games, they will be 11-5. However, they need help from several other AFC teams in order to earn themselves a playoff spot. If the Browns, Colts, Titans and Dolphins all also win out, the Ravens will miss the playoffs.
While the Bengals came out on top Monday night against Pittsburgh, their record is still just 3-10-1. This already takes them out of the discussion for the playoffs and they will not win the AFC North title.
Injuries did not help the already struggling Bengals this season.
In Week 11, rookie quarterback Joe Burrow went down with a torn ACL and MCL. The Bengals lost that game to the Washington Football Team.
Starting running back Joe Mixon has also been benched since Week 7 with a foot injury.
Offensively, Cincinnati has had issues with their offensive line, run game and third down efficiency throughout the 2020 season.
Featured Image Courtesy of Wegryn Enterprises.
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