For most of the AFC North’s history, the Steelers could count on standing atop a solid foundation of the Bengals and Browns. Even during the rare times that the Ohio teams are good, they still manage to mess something up. This year, Cincinnati’s failures are truly spectacular, particularly for what it’s overcome.
Earlier in the year, the Bengals lost their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow, for the majority of the season. After squandering a couple weeks, they made a move to bring in Joe Flacco, and he’s been everything they hoped he might be. The only problem is the fact that their defense is absolutely horrendous.