For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the path to January runs straight through the AFC North. The next stretch of the season isn’t just about keeping pace; it’s about control.
With showdowns ahead against the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens (twice), each matchup carries the weight of two games: one for the win column and another for divisional supremacy.
The AFC North doesn’t offer breathing room. Every team can win on any given Sunday, and every loss can flip the standings overnight.
That’s what makes this part of the season so critical.