AFC North standings: Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty to play for as division chases Ravens
The Pittsburgh Steelers improved their standing in the AFC North Sunday by taming the Cincinnati Bengals in a divisional matchup.
The Steelers beat the Bengals 16-10 and may have delivered a death blow to Cincinnati’s playoff chances while improving their own. They will be tied with the Cleveland Browns at second in the division with 7-4 records.
And the Steelers will have a favorable schedule in the coming weeks as they face the Arizona Cardinals (2-10) next week. After that, it's the 2-9 New England Patriots in the national spotlight on Dec. 7 and the Indianapolis Colts (6-5) Dec. 17.
The Bengals, finishing the season without quarterback Joe Burrow have it a bit tougher. They face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 4. They will have the inconsistent Colts Dec. 10 and the Minnesota Vikings (6-5)Dec. 17.
Right now, however, those teams are looking up at the 9-3 Baltimore Ravens, who beat the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night. In Week 13, the Ravens have their bye before playing the Los Angeles Rams and then the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15.
AFC North standings
Baltimore Ravens - 8-4 (3-2 in division, 6-3 in conference)
Cleveland Browns - 7-4 (3-2 in division, 5-3 in conference)
Pittsburgh Steelers - 7-4 (3-1 in division, 5-3 in conference)
Cincinnati Bengals - 5-6 (0-4 in division, 1-6 in conference)
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns division standings: Steelers on rise after beating Bengals