Steelers Extend AFC North Lead Amid Division Struggles

The Pittsburgh Steelers have solidified their position atop the AFC North division, capitalizing on a series of misfortunes faced by their rivals. With a 4-2 record, the Steelers lead the division, while the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens grapple with subpar performances.

In Week 4, the Steelers secured a victory against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, enhancing their standing. The following week, their lead expanded as all three divisional opponents suffered defeats. The Bengals fell to 2-3 after a home loss to the Detroit Lions, the Ravens dropped to 1-4 following a home defeat to the Houston Texans, and the Browns also stood at 1-4 after a loss to the Vikings in London.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin emphasized the team's focus on their own performance, disregarding the struggles of other teams. He stated, "I don't care what happened with other people, particularly last weekend. It's about us coming off the bye and getting ready for our game this week. I'm not a big-picture guy."

The Bengals, despite their loss, remain tied atop the AFC North standings with the Steelers. However, their 38-point defeat to the Vikings marked the worst loss in franchise history, raising concerns about their competitiveness within the division.

The Ravens, under head coach John Harbaugh, are facing challenges in their quest for a third consecutive AFC North title. Starting the season 1-5, the Ravens are striving to recover and remain in contention for a playoff spot.

The Browns, led by head coach Kevin Stefanski, are also struggling with a 1-4 record. Their recent loss to the Vikings in London has intensified the pressure to turn their season around.

As the season progresses, the Steelers aim to maintain their lead, while the Bengals, Ravens, and Browns face critical junctures to salvage their seasons and remain competitive in the AFC North.