The Steelers were the only team to win this past weekend while the rest of the AFC North didn’t do themselves any favors.
The Steelers were the only winner in week 13 as they defeated the Ravens. It was a tough game that came down to one of the last plays of the game. Baltimore was not able to convert on a two-point conversion and that cost them the game.
The Bengals were able to battle back against the LA Chargers over the weekend but it did not end well for Cincinnati. They lost the game by a wide margin when the clock struck zero. The Cleveland Browns were on a bye week so they stayed home to watch the chaos.
Pittsburgh is still hanging on for dear life as they hang onto any hope for playoff contention. The AFC North is still up for grabs as we head into week 14 of competition. Every contest from here on out will have giant implications for who makes the postseason and the others that go home early.
San Francisco 49ers (6-6) vs Cincinnati Bengals (7-5), Sunday at 4:35 P.M. ET
It was a tough loss for the Cincinnati Bengals after coming off a blowout victory over the Steelers. They got a taste of their own medicine as the LA Chargers came to town over the weekend. This game got out of hand early as the away club got going early and often.
The Chargers were able to surmount a big lead only to see it start to slip away. The Bengals were able to battle back and make this a one-possession contest. This was not a matchup for them to win as they had costly turnovers that halted their valiant efforts.
LA was able to take advantage and turn those turnovers into points and win by a wide margin. This game was closer than the final score indicated but this was a big loss for the Bengals. It could boot them out of the playoffs if it comes down to the Chargers and Cincinnati.
Baltimore Ravens (8-4) vs Cleveland Browns (6-6), Sunday at 1 P.M. ET
The Cleveland Browns are coming off a much-needed bye week. They come straight back to work after just losing to the Ravens right before their off week. There will be no excuses for this team as they had extra time to rest and get prepared to face Baltimore.
The Browns postseason hopes are almost gone. They have a slim chance at getting into the big dance but it is far less than likely at the moment. A win at home against the Ravens would propel them forward with some momentum that could give them a shot.
Baltimore just lost to the Steelers on the road over the weekend so they will be looking for blood. The biggest issue for this incoming team will be the physical tool that the previous game will have on them. Lamar Jackson is also not playing his best football at the moment and that will cause major headaches to any offense.
The Browns will have to follow the lead of Pittsburgh from last week. Keep constant pressure on Jackson and cause turnovers to set up your offense for success. It is not the easiest plan to recycle but it is not entirely impossible. This is a must-win for Cleveland as they need to be the most desperate team in the NFL.
Baltimore Ravens (8-4) vs Cleveland Browns (6-6), Sunday at 1 P.M. ET
The Baltimore Ravens are coming off a heartbreaking loss against a hated rival. They fought hard through adversity against the Steelers but came up short. They were one missed throw away from Lamar Jackson converting that two=point conversion pass to win the game.
It was a tough loss but they are still on top of the AFC North since the Cincinnati Bengals lost to the LA Chargers over the weekend. The sky isn’t falling for the Ravens but they are struggling to recollect themselves while they struggle to play good football. They have been winning games while playing poorly but they just lost last week to an average Pittsburgh team.
Lamar Jackson is not himself and that is going to be something to monitor as the season moves forward. He is turning over the football and their injuries are starting to affect them on the field. They are starting to remind many of the black and gold last year as they are not playing good football but their record is still good enough for a playoff spot.
They need to show something down this stretch of games before the playoffs start or they could be in trouble. There are still meaningful division games for them to play and if they don’t perform better then they could be on the outside looking in if they’re not careful.
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5-1) vs Minnesota Vikings (5-7), Thursday at 8:20 P.M. ET
The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off their biggest victory of the 2021 campaign. It was a close game that came down to the wire but they emerge on top. Defeating the Ravens at home was a huge boost in this must-win contest.
Now they will head on the road to take on the Minnesota Vikings on a short week. The black and gold have to be careful not to get upset after winning a tough game this past weekend. A game on a short week after a tough AFC North game will not help the away squad in this one.
The Vikings are coming off an embarrassing defeat against the Detroit Lions. It was a tough loss and Minnesota is going to give everything they got to prove that was an anomaly. Pittsburgh is the better of these two clubs but the short week could affect the outcome of this one.
The black and gold have the better roster and the Vikings will probably be without one of their top receivers, Adam Thielen. That would be a huge loss for the home club but the injury report will have to be monitored closely as the game gets closer.
Pittsburgh should be able to apply pressure just like last week as they take on one of the poor offensive units upfront. Getting pressure and causing turnovers is going to be important as the Steelers offense looks to continue to show up as they did in the fourth quarter of last week’s contest.
The Steelers playoff hopes are slim but they are better looking after last week’s victory. The AFC North is a close division and a couple of mistakes will be the difference between the top team and the bottom feeder of this group.