The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost their position at the top of the AFC North standings, ceding ground to the Baltimore Ravens. This shift follows the Ravens” impressive five-game winning streak, while the Steelers have struggled, posting a record of 2-4 during the same period.
Initially, Pittsburgh held a comfortable 2.5 game lead over Baltimore. However, the Ravens secured a victory against the New York Jets with a score of 23-13. Meanwhile, the Steelers suffered a narrow defeat to the Chicago Bears, falling 31-28. As a result, the Ravens now lead the division based on their superior divisional record.
Currently, Baltimore remains undefeated within the division and has yet to face the Steelers this season. Pittsburgh”s recent loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on the road has further complicated their standing, challenging their hopes for the regular season.
Despite the Steelers” earlier success, they have been viewed as secondary contenders in the race for the AFC North title. Betting markets have consistently favored the Ravens, particularly because of their relatively easy schedule. Pittsburgh was only considered the favorite for a brief period. However, the Steelers have a critical opportunity to regain the division lead.
Looking ahead, the Steelers are set to face the Ravens twice, and winning both matchups could significantly bolster their chances of clinching the division title. With a competitive field vying for the AFC Wild Card spots, the Steelers” path to securing a postseason berth appears challenging. Thus, winning the AFC North becomes increasingly important for their playoff aspirations.
