Steelers playoff dreams stay alive in latest AFC North standings

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 24: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs on to the field holdinga #32 flag to honor Franco Harris during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Acrisure Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 24: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs on to the field holdinga #32 flag to honor Franco Harris during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Acrisure Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
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The Pittsburgh Steelers were finally able to get out of the AFC North basement in the division standings as they head into Week 17.

Week 16 around the NFL was a fun time as many families gathered around the TV to watch their favorite teams during the holidays. There were some highly contested games that saw clubs battle for playoff positioning as the final weeks ramp up. This past week’s slate of games had monumental shifts in the playoff standing that will persist going forward.

Teams around the AFC North saw some changes happen after weeks of constant hierarchy being shown. Three out of the four in this group were able to get out of week 16 with a win, which made some fans’ Christmas that much sweeter. Heading into Week 17, there is still a lot for this division to fight for.

Cleveland fall into last place in the divisional standings

A new low was found for Cleveland’s season as they lost another game against a poor opponent. Everything has gotten much worse for the Browns since Deshaun Watson entered their starting lineup. His lengthy time away from football has destroyed any semblance that he had as a starter at the NFL level. Their loss against the Saints allowed the Steelers to jump ahead of them in the standings.

Cleveland Browns (6-9) vs Washington Commanders (7-7-1), Sunday at 1 P.M. EST

Tale of two teams as the Browns are out of the playoffs and seemingly have nothing left to fight for. The Commanders enter this game currently in a playoff spot and will try to claw their way to the post-season dance. This is going to be a tough road game for Cleveland as they take on one of the better defensive fronts in football, which will put their offense on the back of Watson. That will not work out in their favor.

Schedule