The Pittsburgh Steelers enter November leading the AFC North at 6–2 after defeating Cleveland 27–6. Cincinnati follows at 5–2, Cleveland stands at 5–3, and Baltimore is 4–4. The standings remain competitive, but the Steelers now hold an advantage they lacked in late October.
Barry Reeger / Imagn Images
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) runs the ball during the third quarter of an NFL game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium.
Four consecutive victories have strengthened Pittsburgh’s position. Its season series with Cleveland is complete and split, while Cincinnati retains the division’s strongest point differential. Those differences provide useful context for evaluating the contenders beyond their records.
Those differences matter when evaluating midseason odds. A team’s overall record is important, but head-to-head results, offensive production, defensive consistency, and remaining opponents can provide a more complete picture of its playoff prospects.
Where the AFC North Stands Entering November
The standings through November 3 reflect Pittsburgh’s victory over Cleveland and Cincinnati’s continued pursuit.
Pittsburgh leads by winning percentage, while Cincinnati has the strongest scoring differential despite playing one fewer game. Cleveland and Pittsburgh share 2–1 divisional records after splitting their meetings.
Point differential describes cumulative scoring margins, not opponent-adjusted team quality. Injuries, schedule strength and individual game circumstances still matter. Pittsburgh’s challenge is maintaining its lead while Cincinnati remains close enough for their November rematch to change the race.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Momentum With Work Still Ahead
Pittsburgh’s season has already featured some significant changes in form. After opening with a victory over Atlanta, the Steelers lost 20–3 to New England. They responded by beating Cincinnati 30–27 but then suffered a 27–24 defeat against Cleveland.
Pittsburgh responded with victories over Indianapolis, Tampa Bay and New Orleans before beating Cleveland 27–6 on November 1. That fourth consecutive win evened the season series with the Browns and moved the Steelers into first place in the division.
The Saints victory was particularly different from the previous two. Pittsburgh scored only 16 points but held New Orleans to 10, showing how its defense helped secure a win despite limited offensive production.
Through eight games, Pittsburgh has scored 180 points and allowed 144, producing a plus-36 differential. That improves its scoring position, although cumulative totals alone do not establish how the team will perform against its remaining opponents.
Fans looking to view NFL midseason odds can compare Pittsburgh’s available division and playoff markets with those of its rivals. The standings provide useful context, although market expectations may also reflect injuries, upcoming opponents, and recent performances.
Cleveland Browns: An Early Advantage Has Narrowed
Cleveland’s October 1 victory over Pittsburgh gave the Browns an early head-to-head advantage. The November 1 rematch changed that position: a 27–6 defeat dropped Cleveland to 5–3 and completed a split of the season series.
The Browns now have 139 points scored and 173 allowed, a minus-34 differential. That describes their cumulative scoring results, but does not independently establish that further defeats are likely. Opponent quality and the circumstances behind individual margins require consideration.
With no regular-season meeting against Pittsburgh remaining, Cleveland must pursue the Steelers through results elsewhere. If the two clubs finish tied, the applicable NFL tiebreaking procedure will determine their positions rather than a head-to-head sweep.
Cincinnati Bengals: The Strongest Scoring Differential
Cincinnati stands at 5–2 after beating Tennessee 43–36 in overtime on November 1. The Bengals have scored 206 points and allowed 158, producing the division’s strongest differential at plus-48. They have played one fewer game than Pittsburgh, making winning percentage more informative than win totals alone.
However, Pittsburgh has already beaten Cincinnati this season. The Steelers’ 30–27 victory on September 27 provides a useful reference point before the teams meet again on November 15.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Derrick Harmon gets the game-sealing sack on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in 2026.
That rematch could have considerable importance for both clubs. Cincinnati will have an opportunity to even the season series, while Pittsburgh could strengthen its position by completing a sweep.
The Bengals’ scoring numbers suggest they remain a serious divisional contender, but the next meeting will test Pittsburgh’s ability to limit Cincinnati’s offensive production.
Baltimore Ravens: Results and Availability Complicate the Chase
Baltimore fell to 4–4 after losing 36–10 at Buffalo on November 1, its third consecutive defeat. The Ravens remain 0–2 within the division and have scored 179 points while allowing 203, a minus-24 differential.
Quarterback availability adds another concern. Baltimore reported that Lamar Jackson requires surgery after injuring his right thumb against Buffalo and will be placed on injured reserve. His availability must therefore be considered alongside the team’s recent results when assessing its outlook.
Pittsburgh has not yet faced Baltimore this season. Their December and January meetings remain important opportunities for both teams, but the Ravens first need to recover ground against other opponents.
What Could Change the Steelers’ Midseason Outlook?
Pittsburgh’s remaining schedule contains several games that could influence its position in the division and wider AFC playoff race.
Three remaining divisional games deserve particular attention:
November 15 at Cincinnati: Pittsburgh can complete a season sweep, while the Bengals have an opportunity to even the series and improve their position.
December 20 vs. Baltimore: The first meeting gives Pittsburgh another home divisional test as the playoff race develops.
Week 18 at Baltimore: The regular-season finale completes the rivalry series and could affect divisional or playoff positioning.
These games matter because division records and head-to-head results can become important when teams finish level in the standings. Beyond the results themselves, Pittsburgh’s offensive consistency and defensive performances will influence how competitive the team looks against stronger opponents. Fans can also follow upcoming matchups, player performances, and team developments through FanDuel’s NFL research and analysis.
A Division Race That Remains Wide Open
Four consecutive victories have put Pittsburgh in first place, but Cincinnati remains close and Cleveland still has a winning record. Baltimore faces additional uncertainty around quarterback availability, while the Steelers have three divisional games remaining.
Pittsburgh has already improved its position by splitting the Cleveland series. Sustaining that progress now requires consistent execution against Cincinnati, Baltimore and opponents outside the division. The lead is meaningful, but the race remains unsettled.
*Content reflects information available as of 2026/11/03; subject to change.