Steelers Reclaim AFC North Lead in Tight Playoff Race
The Pittsburgh Steelers have reclaimed the AFC North lead after the Baltimore Ravens’ loss on Thanksgiving. The Ravens held the top spot for just four days. Now, the Steelers face off against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday, needing a win to maintain their position.
AFC North Standings Update
The stakes are high for the Steelers. A loss on Sunday would allow the Ravens to retake the lead due to their superiority in tiebreakers against common opponents. Currently, the Ravens have secured wins against teams like the Jets, Vikings, Bears, and a pair of victories against the Browns.
Wild Card Opportunities
Additionally, with the Kansas City Chiefs’ loss on Thursday, the wild card race has become more accessible for Pittsburgh, even if they cannot secure the division title.
Current AFC Standings (Week 13)
| Rank | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New England Patriots | 10-2 |
| 2 | Denver Broncos | 9-2 |
| 3 | Indianapolis Colts | 8-3 |
| 4 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 6-5 |
| 5 | Los Angeles Chargers | 7-4 |
| 6 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 7-4 |
| 7 | Buffalo Bills | 7-4 |
| 8 | Houston Texans | 6-5 |
| 9 | Kansas City Chiefs | 6-6 |
| 10 | Baltimore Ravens | 6-6 |
| 11 | Miami Dolphins | 4-7 |
| 12 | Cincinnati Bengals | 4-8 |
| 13 | Cleveland Browns | 3-8 |
| 14 | Las Vegas Raiders | 2-9 |
| 15 | New York Jets | 2-9 |
| 16 | Tennessee Titans | 1-10 |
AFC North Scenario
As of now, the AFC North standings show the Steelers at 6-5, closely followed by the Ravens at 6-6. The Steelers desperately need a victory against the Bills to solidify their lead and avoid ceding it back to Baltimore.
In summary, the upcoming game is crucial for the Steelers in their playoff run. With the escalating tension in the standings, every match is pivotal as they chase both the division title and wild card opportunities.
