AFC North standings: Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty to play for as division chases Ravens

George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) scores during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) scores during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The Pittsburgh Steelers improved their standing in the AFC North Sunday by taming the Cincinnati Bengals in a divisional matchup.

The Steelers beat the Bengals 16-10 and may have delivered a death blow to Cincinnati’s playoff chances while improving their own. They will be tied with the Cleveland Browns at second in the division with 7-4 records.

And the Steelers will have a favorable schedule in the coming weeks as they face the Arizona Cardinals (2-10) next week. After that, it's the 2-9 New England Patriots in the national spotlight on Dec. 7 and the Indianapolis Colts (6-5) Dec. 17.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) breaks away with a catch over the middle for a first down in the second quarter of the NFL Week 12 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) breaks away with a catch over the middle for a first down in the second quarter of the NFL Week 12 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023.

The Bengals, finishing the season without quarterback Joe Burrow have it a bit tougher. They face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 4. They will have the inconsistent Colts Dec. 10 and the Minnesota Vikings (6-5)Dec. 17.

Right now, however, those teams are looking up at the 8-3 Baltimore Ravens, who play the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night.

AFC North standings

  • Baltimore Ravens - 8-3 (3-2 in division, 5-3 in conference)

  • Cleveland Browns - 7-4 (3-2 in division, 5-3 in conference)

  • Pittsburgh Steelers - 7-4 (3-1 in division, 5-3 in conference)

  • Cincinnati Bengals - 5-6 (0-4 in division, 1-6 in conference)

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns division standings: Steelers on rise after beating Bengals

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