Inside the Steelers-Ravens tussle to win the AFC North

The Steelers must rely on their defense, which has allowed the second-fewest points per game this season (14.9), to keep them in multiple games that feature MVP-caliber quarterbacks (Washington rookie Jayden Daniels, Baltimore's Lamar Jackson, Cincinnati's Joe Burrow, Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes).

Holding a division lead ahead of Sunday's game against the Commanders, Pittsburgh probably needs six wins to earn the AFC North title, including at least three divisional wins. A 12-5 record could be just enough to emerge atop the AFC North.

Baltimore Ravens (7-3)

According to DraftKings as of Friday (Nov. 8), the Ravens have the MVP front-runner in Jackson (+175) and Offensive Player of the Year front-runner in RB Derrick Henry (-140). Yet they are only 7-3 and second in the AFC North. It becomes easier to understand that fact when looking at their monstrosity of a pass defense.

Baltimore has allowed 294.9 passing yards per game, an astounding 30.6 more yards per game than any other team in the league ahead of Sunday's Week 10 action. Baltimore's exploitable secondary has resulted in the team allowing 25.3 points per game this season, the ninth-highest mark.

In Week 10's "Thursday Night Football" matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, Burrow recorded his second game with at least 390 passing yards and four touchdowns against the Ravens... this season alone.

Baltimore's remaining schedule offers some relief, as none of its six opponents rank in the top 10 in offensive points per game or pass yards per game.

For the Ravens to win the AFC North, they'll desperately need to improve against the pass. Nothing must be addressed offensively, as they lead the league in many categories, including yards per game (440.2) and touchdowns (38).

If Baltimore can win six of its seven remaining games, a 13-4 record will almost certainly ensure they keep the AFC North title out of Pittsburgh's grasp.