AFC North Not Getting Easier for Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers pulled out a huge win over the Cincinnati Bengals in a Week 11 divisional clash, but they couldn't gain any ground on the Baltimore Ravens in the process.

Pittsburgh avenged its Week 7 loss to the Bengals, which ended with a game-winning field goal by Evan McPherson, by defeating them by a score of 32-14 this time around.

The most notable moment of the contest came when Jalen Ramsey was ejected for throwing a punch at Ja'Marr Chase. Ramsey accused Chase of spitting on him postgame, however, and while the latter denied that claim, video evidence leans in favor of the former as the NFL gets set to investigate the incident.

Additionally, Aaron Rodgers hurt his hand/wrist on the Steelers' final drive of the first half and did not return in the second half. As a result, Mason Rudolph got on the field for the first time since Week 2 and led Pittsburgh to a win as its record improved to 6-4.

ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported that Rodgers is dealing with a "slight break" in his wrist, but his timeline and true severity of the injury won't be known until he undergoes additional testing.

The Ravens, meanwhile, battled back from a six-point deficit at halftime and beat the Cleveland Browns 23-16 while Shedeur Sanders completed just four of his 16 pass attempts after Dillon Gabriel left with a head injury.

As Week 12 comes into focus, the Steelers still lead Baltimore by just one game for first place in the AFC North with two matchups between the teams remaining on the schedule.

Two-Team Race

Though the Bengals can't completely be counted out, especially since Joe Burrow is expected to return against the Ravens in Week 13, their chances of winning the division are now minuscule with a 3-7 record.

The Browns, on the other hand, have never been in the race for first place and are now sitting at 2-8 on the year while staring down another high draft pick.

With that being said, it's going to come down to a tight race between the Steelers and Ravens, much like it did in 2024. Pittsburgh hopes this year plays out differently, however.