The Pittsburgh Steelers started the 2025 season off in a perfect way as the group was 4-1 through five games and was completely coasting to first place in the AFC North. The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals both got off to a rough start and each franchise lost their franchise quarterback for significant time, while the Cleveland Browns continued being the Browns that everyone has grown to love. They are in their usual spot in fourth place. Pittsburgh seemed like a lock to win the division early at one point, but that is no longer the case, as the Steelers have put together some concerning recent performances.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks discouraged during a tough loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025.
The Steelers currently have a record of 5-4, the Ravens are 4-5, and the Bengals are 3-6. Pittsburgh has just a one-game lead on Baltimore with both matchups between the two teams remaining on the season. The Bengals are also a threat as the Steelers will play them in Week 11 with just a two-game lead. The Steelers have almost seemingly fumbled another divisional lead away, and Ravens rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan knows his team is going to take the division from Pittsburgh, which he mentioned during an appearance on Unsportsmanlike.
"Absolutely, yeah," Buchanan said. "No question. Because that's what we're gonna do. We have the team to do it. Quite honestly, we've been at the lowest of low. We were one and five. We felt kind of the whole world against us at one point. But we kind of came outta that and we're surging as a new team, and I think just kind of that bye week, like I said, we had our backs against the wall and we still feel that. So we're gonna continue to fight and continue to win."
That is a lot of confidence for a rookie linebacker, but he isn't lying. The Ravens are healthier now than they have been all season, and the hardest part of their schedule is already done with. They went through the gauntlet to start the year and currently have a record of 4-5. There is a real chance that they could finish the season with a record of 12-5 or 11-6 and win the AFC North.
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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson stands on the field as his team warms up prior to a professional football game on the road.
Pittsburgh's first game against Baltimore comes in Week 14. Baltimore could be 7-5 when that game rolls around as they have games against the Browns, Bengals, and New York Jets. In the meantime, Pittsburgh has to take on the Bengals, Chicago Bears, and the Buffalo Bills. That could be three straight losses for Pittsburgh, which would all but put the division out of reach, especially if they can't steal a game from Baltimore.
The 2025 season once seemed like it would be one for the Steelers to host their first playoff game since 2020, but that seems like a long shot now as the Ravens are surging and the Steelers are struggling while playing inconsistent football.
Steelers' Remaining Schedule Could Sink Playoff Chances
Pittsburgh's remaining schedule is not easy. There is another game with Cincinnati coming in Week 11, which Pittsburgh has already lost to once this year. One matchup with the Browns is left, and two games against the Ravens. In addition to that, the Steelers have to take on Buffalo and the Detroit Lions. The other two games come against the Miami Dolphins, who have an offense that could give the Steelers some trouble, and the Bears, who look like a potential playoff team.
ChicagoBears.com
Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams (18).
The outlook on the 2025 season is not good for Pittsburgh, but there is a chance this team can go on a run and surprise a lot of people. Only time will tell for fans in the Steel City.
What do you think is going to happen in the AFC North throughout the rest of the year? Let us know in the comments below!
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