AFC North standings: Steelers bye week brings no relief in division race

Overall, it was a successful week for the AFC North division. Each team that played this past weekend saw their win totals improve by one. The Steelers were able to watch from home as they got to enjoy their week six bye. Even though they went into the week as the top dog in the standings, that treat did not last them long.

There are still plenty of games left to be played before the AFC North champion gets their hat and shirt for accomplishing that task. There are tons of things that could still change the course of the season for any of these four clubs. Each one has an even record or better after six weeks of competition. It looks like things will end on a competitive note.

4. Cincinnati sits at the bottom of the standings, but change is coming

It was a tough game going into last week for Cincinnati as they faced the visiting Seattle Seahawks. It was a game where the Bengals could actually start to show that they are starting to turn the corner and return back to playoff contention form. After a hard start to the season, things are starting to look better for Cincinnati these past couple of weeks.

Joe Burrow is still dealing with a nagging calf injury, but he seems to be back to functional form. It is still an issue, but he has done enough to play back to his normal level. They were able to beat the Seahawks in a close defensive matchup. Cincinnati is starting to find different ways to win games and that should put the AFC North on high alert.

Week seven will be one of rest for the Bengals as they get to regroup during their bye week. That is much needed as they can gain some health back and enjoy their effort of getting back to an even record after their rocky start. Expect Burrow and company to return back to form after their bye week and start to go on a run.