AFC North Recap: Steelers in far too familiar position of needing help in Week 17

Week 16 of NFL football is behind us, and it was quite the week in the AFC North division. With that said, it is time to see how the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns all did in the week that was.

Time to take a look...

Baltimore Ravens - 31
Cleveland Browns - 15

It seemed like a mere formality that the Ravens would lock up the top seed in the AFC Playoffs with a win over one of two teams who beat them this season, the Browns. The Ravens are now resting the majority of their starters in Week 17, which is good news for the Steelers.

Miami Dolphins - 38 (OT)
Cincinnati Bengals - 35

The Dolphins play tough, but the Bengals are the real winners here. The Dolphins’ win, and the Bengals’ loss, locks up the top pick in the 2020 NFL Draft for Cincinnati. Hope Joe Burrow is cool with the striped helmet.

New York Jets - 16
Pittsburgh Steelers - 10

Talk about a kick in the gut. The Steelers controlled their own destiny heading into Week 16. Win two and you are in. Everyone assumed if they would lose one of their final two games it would be against Baltimore in Week 17 at M&T Bank Stadium. But not, it was on the road against Le’Veon Bell and the Jets. Now the Steelers need to win against the Ravens’ backups and hope the Texans can beat the Titans. It isn’t looking good for the Steelers’ playoff hopes.

AFC North Standings

Baltimore Ravens - 13-2
Pittsburgh Steelers - 8-7
Cleveland Browns - 6-9
Cincinnati Bengals - 1-14

Week 17 AFC North Schedule:

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens — 4:25 p.m. ET
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals — 1:00 p.m. ET