The Pittsburgh Steelers are 6-2 and alone atop the AFC North. They handed their longtime rival a 23rd consecutive regular-season loss in Pittsburgh to take control of the division. Now, the Steelers get a much-needed bye week.
Pittsburgh also saw a number of interesting developments around the AFC North in Week 8. As the league enters Week 9, there are a lot of questions for every team in the division. Here is the AFC North outlook entering Week 9.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns took one on the chin this week. Pittsburgh definitely heard all of that chatter from Jared Verse. Cleveland looked lost on offense and didn’t have a strong answer for the Steelers’ defensive front. From the first snap, the Browns were toast.
Cleveland now has to regroup and will travel to New Orleans to face the Saints in Week 9. The Browns have lost their last two trips to New Orleans, and they will look to bounce back after their longtime foe dominated them.
Next: at Saints
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens’ quarterback situation has taken a massive turn for the worse. Lamar Jackson just returned from an ankle sprain, and he might already be lost for the season. One drive into the game, Jackson suffered a hand injury that will require surgery.
Head coach Jesse Minter told reporters the injury could be season-ending. To make things worse, Tyler Huntley also suffered an injury. It is unclear how long he will be out if he misses time.
Next: vs. Jaguars
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals’ defense got off to a hot start and has cooled off in a big way. Joe Burrow led the Bengals to a 43-36 overtime win as they survived the Titans at home. As much as the Titans have struggled, it’s not unreasonable to call this a concerning defensive performance.
This is the NFL, so anything can happen, including a surprise performance like this one from Tennessee. Cincinnati has one more game before the Steelers come to town for another big AFC North showdown.
Next: vs. Falcons (Madrid)
More on the Pittsburgh Steelers
- NFL to Make Punishment Decision After Deshaun Watson Injury Scare
- Steelers Week 8 Overreactions: What’s Real and What’s Not After Beating the Browns
- 3 Things We Learned From Steelers’ 27-6 Win vs. Browns in Week 8
- The Steelers Have a Passing-Game Problem Their Run Game Can’t Hide Forever
