AFC North Standings: Steelers alone atop the divisional mountain

The Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns were back on the gridiron in Week 14, but only two of those teams still have something to play for, other than pride.

The two-horse race between the Steelers and Ravens continues, but the Steelers have taken the lead just after passing the third quarter pole. Will Pittsburgh hold off the Ravens and win their 2nd division title in 3 years? Only time will tell, but let’s take a look at how the week unfolded for all those teams who call the AFC North home.

Cincinnati Bengals - 23
Cleveland Browns - 10

The battle of Ohio. It sounds so intimidating, but is so far from reality. The Bengals dominated this game, and the hapless Browns continued to look, well, hapless. You know it is bad when the only intriguing aspect of this game was Adam Jones’ sound byte after the game about Terrelle Pryor when he called him garbage, and then proceeded to look in a nearby garbage can searching for the Browns wideout. You really can’t make this stuff up.

Week 15 Opponent: CIN vs. PIT
Week 15 Opponent: CLE at BUF

Pittsburgh Steelers - 27
Buffalo Bills - 20

There was a realistic chance this game could have ended up 49-0, and if you missed the game, no, I’m not exaggerating. Thanks to Ben Roethlisberger’s three interceptions, the Bills had new life, and were a Dan Carpenter onside kick away from having a possession to tie the game in the waning minutes of the 4th quarter. Nonetheless, the Steelers win their fourth game in a row, and continue their march to the playoffs.

Week 15 Opponent: PIT at CIN

New England Patriots - 30
Baltimore Ravens - 23

The Steelers fan base was begrudgingly rooting for the Patriots on Monday Night Football, but only for the week where it could benefit Pittsburgh. Despite New England’s best efforts to blow a 20-point lead, Tom Brady and company held on for the win, catapulting the Steelers into first place in the AFC North, for now. The Week 16 Christmas Day game still looms large for both the Steelers and Ravens.

Week 15 Opponent: BAL vs. PHI

AFC North Standings (Week 15)

Pittsburgh Steelers - 8-5
Baltimore Ravens - 7-6
Cincinnati Bengals - 5-7-1
Cleveland Browns - 0-13