The Steelers lost a tough divisional game as the rest of the AFC North saw mixed results heading into week 12.
Week 11 of the NFL saw half of the AFC North division take their separation to the next level. The good and bad teams are becoming more evident by the week as the rush to the playoffs expands further into reality. The Steelers are one of the clubs that will not be seeing the postseason this year and it will be interesting to see how the club comes to terms with that.
The two teams the Ravens and Bengals are on the opposite trajectory as they win big games when they matter most. They have been the two most consistent clubs and should both be present for a playoff spot when the year is all said and done. Cleveland is on the opposite spectrum with Pittsburgh as both have not been able to do enough this year.
Steelers continue their losing ways as they remain at the bottom
Beating the Bengals might not have saved their season, but it would have given them hope. The Pittsburgh Steelers have some good things to take away from this game that could give hope, but ultimately the loss was the final nail in the coffin for this club. Losing in the division at Pittsburgh’s current record has sealed the deal on this season with sadness and mediocrity on display.
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-7) vs Indianapolis Colts (4-6-1), Monday at 8:15 P.M. EST
Hitting the road to take on the Colts sounded more formidable at the beginning of the season. Indianapolis is not a great team and that means that this could be a win for the Steelers on Monday. They have an extra day to prepare against a club that has an interim Head Coach and a carousal for their quarterback rotation.
Cleveland could have help on the way but it might be too late
Deshaun Watson is now just a week away from returning from those disturbing allegations that ultimately led to his suspension. Cleveland is already out of the playoff race after a couple of weeks of fighting to stay in it. The Browns still have some meaningful division matchups ahead, but their season is toast.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-5) vs Cleveland Browns (3-7), Sunday at 1 P.M. EST
It is going to be another tough go for the Browns as they get ready to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home. The Steelers might have beaten Tom Brady and the Bucs, but it looks like the winds might be turning in their favor. Cleveland will struggle in this game, but it will likely be closer than some might think.
Bengals will be in for a fight against a tough AFC opponent
Cincinnati is coming off a hard-fought victory over the Steelers in a hostile environment. It was a high-scoring game that saw their defense take control in the second half and halted the efforts of the opposition. Cincinnati’s offense was able to do whatever they wanted all day, which will give them a magnitude of confidence going forward.
Cincinnati Bengals (6-4) vs Tennessee Titans (7-3), Sunday at 1 P.M. EST
A potential playoff matchup will be in play on Sunday afternoon as Cincinnati hits the road again to take on the Tennessee Titans. Both clubs are dealing with different injuries, but the Titans will pose a unique test for the Bengals. The away team has struggled against stopping the run and that could lead to bad results against Tennessee.
Baltimore looks to bounce back after a tough performance in their win
The Ravens are starting to make it a habit of squeaking out wins at the last minute. The good news for them is that they are finding ways to win, the bad news is they are flirting with disaster. Baltimore is always a competitive team no matter what their roster looks like, their real test will be when the playoffs roll around.
Baltimore Ravens (7-3) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7), Sunday at 1 P.M. EST
Another easy matchup on paper for the Ravens as they head to Florida to take on a young inexperienced team. Baltimore did struggle against a bad Carolina Panthers team last week and that could lead to an upset here if they are not careful. Expect the Ravens to win by a wide margin, but the Jacksonville Jaguars are starting to get better.
The Steelers continue to sink their 2022 season away as they have not been able to accomplish the easiest of tasks yet. Two out of the three remaining teams were victorious as they continue to separate themselves from the pack.