RK Browns lose. Bengals lose. Ravens lose. Great day to be a Steelers fan and they didn’t even play
The AFC North Chaos
The AFC North is often described as one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions, where every week feels like a playoff battle. Sunday lived up to that billing—but not because the Pittsburgh Steelers took the field. In fact, Mike Tomlin’s squad had the week off. Yet as the dust settled, Steelers Nation had every reason to celebrate.
All three divisional rivals—the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and Baltimore Ravens—stumbled to costly defeats. For Pittsburgh, it was the perfect scenario: rest, recovery, and watching the rest of the division take hits.
Browns Collapse Again
The Cleveland Browns, who came into the season with lofty expectations thanks to a strong defense and the return of key offensive weapons, couldn’t deliver when it mattered. Their loss further highlighted the inconsistency that has plagued them for years. For Steelers fans, it was another reminder that their in-state rival still hasn’t found the stability needed to contend consistently.
Bengals Struggles Continue
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals—seen as the biggest threat to Kansas City in the AFC in recent seasons—also faltered. Joe Burrow’s brilliance couldn’t offset protection issues, turnovers, and an offense that has sputtered more often than expected. Every Bengals loss feels like a crack in what was supposed to be their Super Bowl window, and Pittsburgh fans are savoring every moment.
Ravens Stumble in a Statement Game
The Baltimore Ravens, long considered the Steelers’ fiercest rival, also dropped a winnable game. Their usually disciplined approach was marred by mistakes and missed opportunities. For Pittsburgh fans, watching Lamar Jackson and company stumble was perhaps the sweetest part of the day.
Steelers Win Without Playing
The Steelers didn’t play, but their position in the division standings improved by default. On a bye week, they gained ground, kept their players healthy, and enjoyed a morale boost that could fuel the next stretch of games.
For a team that prides itself on toughness, tradition, and resilience, seeing the rest of the division suffer only adds to the optimism in Pittsburgh.
A Division Still Up for Grabs
The AFC North remains wide open. No team has established clear dominance, and every week seems to bring fresh chaos. But on this Sunday, while their rivals fell short, the Steelers enjoyed the rare luxury of victory without effort.
As Steelers fans would say: Sometimes, the best wins are the ones you don’t even have to play for.
