Steelers starting to tank in AFC North standings entering Week 5

The Steelers suffered a major set back with their game against the Jets that pushed them down the division standings further. 

The AFC North division has some good teams fighting for the top spot when the regular season concludes. The Steelers just suffered a tough loss at home against a meager New York Jets team that might have sunk their playoff hopes. It might only be heading into week five of the season, but even Diontae Johnson claimed it was a rebuilding year.

He might have said that out of pure emotion and that could come back to haunt him. That was a tough loss for Pittsburgh, especially with how the other three clubs around the division have been performing early on. The division is still up for grabs as no true favorite has been crowned yet, but each team is clawing their way into relevancy.

Steelers sink to the bottom of the AFC North heading into week 5

The black and gold are currently crawling on the ground and trying to get back up after a knockout punch hit them right under the chin. The sky is falling, and the lights seem to be quickly shutting down on the season. The Steelers had some hope come onto the field with Kenny Pickett, but their upcoming schedule is grueling.

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-3) vs Buffalo Bills (3-1), Sunday at 1 P.M. EST

Things are not looking good for Pittsburgh with the remainder of their schedule. The defense has not played well since T.J. Watt got injured, and Pickett can only provide so much of a spark. The Bills are a top team in the AFC with Super Bowl aspirations, which will probably lead to a Steelers beatdown on Sunday.

Cincinnati continues to gain background from their early struggles

Cincinnati has been able to stack two wins after suffering some embarrassing losses against the Steelers and Cowboys to start their year. Their wins over the Jets and Dolphins have catapulted them back into contention for the division since their lackluster beginning. The rust factor seemed to weigh heavily on this club, but that looks to be dissipating.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) vs Baltimore Ravens (2-2), Sunday at 8:20 P.M. EST

AFC North football is tough and physical, which will show itself again on Sunday night for all to see. The Ravens play host to the Bengals in a game that could have monumental impacts later in the season. One of these two seem like they will win the division with both having the possibility to make the playoffs.

Ravens can prove their playoff prowess with a win this week

The effects that this game has on both these clubs later in the season cannot be denied. Both will still have to face the Browns and Steelers to conclude their year, but these two are the favorites to win the division. It is going to be an offensive battle that will probably come down to a couple of plays being the difference.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) vs Baltimore Ravens (2-2), Sunday at 8:20 P.M. EST

Baltimore is coming off a hard-fought game against the Bills last week with little rest. Cincinnati has had a couple of extra days of rest and preparation heading into this contest. Both teams will bring their best as they know how much of a factor that this will play later in the standings.

The Browns are hanging onto dear life atop the division

Just like everyone expected after the Deshaun Watson fallout, the Cleveland Browns sit on top of the division after four weeks of play. They currently own the tiebreaker as they have the same record as the Ravens and Bengals. This club was able to defeat the Steelers in week three, and that has allowed them to hang onto the division lead for now.

LA Chargers (2-2) vs Cleveland Browns (2-2), Sunday at 1 P.M. EST

Cleveland has not faced the grueling part of their schedule just yet, but this Sunday will not be easy for the Browns. The Chargers come to town with playoff hopes still intact even though they are dealing with mounting injury concerns. Things seem to be shadowed for Cleveland right now and the reality of their fall from grace should start this week.

The Steelers sit at the bottom of the AFC North division after four weeks of play. The grouping is contentious right now and could make for an exciting stretch.