Steelers are still the favorites in the AFC North

The Pittsburgh Steelers got a huge divisional win over the Cincinnati Bengals, and reminded everyone why they are still the favorites in the AFC North

After an underwhelming start to the season that saw the Steelers fall to a 1-2-1 record, they’ve bounced back in a big way the past two weeks. Pittsburgh crushed Atlanta by a score of 41-17 last week, and picked up a crucial win today against their divisional foe in the Cincinnati Bengals.

It was a back and forth affair that included plenty of chirping among the players, as expected in heated divisional games. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had another fine game, throwing for 369 yards and a touchdown. Pittsburgh’s playmakers made life easy on him however, with running back James Connor rushing for 111 yards and two scores. The dynamic receiving tandem of Antonio Brown and Juju Smith-Schuster each racked over 100 yards respectively.

Brown also caught and scored the game winning 31-yard touchdown to send the Steelers faithful home with a win.

Despite allowing Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton to throw two touchdowns, the Steelers defense held him to a season low 229 passing yards, and kept him off balance for most of the day. It was a well rounded effort from Pittsburgh, who are now a much improved 3-2-1 and seem to be clicking on all cylinders.

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The Steelers next two matchups are also against divisional opponents, as they take on an improved Cleveland Browns team in their next game, followed by a rematch with the Baltimore Ravens on the road.

The AFC North is usually one of the most competitive divisions in football, with the Steelers, Bengals, and the Ravens usually finding themselves within the AFC playoff picture. The last two weeks should remind everyone how good this Steelers team can be, and they could find themselves back atop the AFC North division soon enough.