The Pittsburgh Steelers have surrendered their lead in the AFC North standings to the Baltimore Ravens following a recent string of performances. While the Ravens celebrated their fifth consecutive victory, the Steelers struggled with a disappointing record of 2-4 over the same period. This shift in momentum has resulted in the Ravens taking the division lead based on their superior divisional record.
With a previous lead of 2.5 games, the Steelers found themselves at a disadvantage after the Ravens triumphed over the New York Jets with a score of 23-13. In contrast, the Steelers suffered a narrow defeat against the Chicago Bears, losing 31-28. Currently, the Ravens remain undefeated within the division, although they have yet to face the Steelers this season.
The Steelers’ recent loss to the Bears marked their second defeat to a division rival, having previously lost to the Cincinnati Bengals. This has impacted their overall standing and created a competitive atmosphere within the AFC North. The Steelers have been viewed as secondary favorites for the division title, with betting markets showing persistent confidence in the Ravens, largely due to their relatively favorable schedule.
Despite a strong start to the season, the Steelers’ chances of winning the division have been diminished. They were considered favorites for just two weeks in the betting markets. However, a significant opportunity lies ahead as the Steelers are scheduled to face the Ravens twice before the season concludes. A sweep in these matchups could greatly enhance their chances of reclaiming the AFC North title.
With a tightly contested race for the AFC Wild Card spots, the Steelers may find it challenging to secure an at-large berth. This intensifies the importance of winning the AFC North divisional title, which remains paramount for their postseason aspirations. As the season progresses, the dynamics of the AFC North will surely be influenced by the outcomes of the upcoming meetings between these two rivals.
