The Pittsburgh Steelers enjoyed their bye week over the weekend, taking Week 5 off after returning from Europe with a victory over the Minnesota Vikings. If the Steelers were checking scores from around the AFC North, they were really enjoying themselves.
With the Steelers relaxing by the pool, the rest of the division belly flopped, going 0-3 to leave Pittsburgh in sole possession of first place exiting the bye.
The Cleveland Browns lost to the Vikings in London, with the change in quarterback from Joe Flacco to rookie Dillon Gabriel doing little to help things for Cleveland. Gabriel finished an efficient 19 of 33 for 190 yards and two touchdowns, and fellow rookie running back Quinshon Judkins ran for 110 yards on 23 carries, but the offense fell apart while trying to secure the lead in the fourth quarter, gaining just one first down on five drives as the Vikings re-took the lead.
“We didn’t get into very many advantageous down-and-distances,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “Ended up in too many third-and-longs. There were penalties. We just have to be better and have to score some points.”
The Browns are now big underdogs to the Steelers in Week 6, as they come back from Europe and go straight into a trip to Pittsburgh.
The division-favorite Baltimore Ravens, playing without Lamar Jackson and half their defense, were obliterated by the Houston Texans, falling to 1-4.
“It’s just a complete disappointment,” head coach John Harbaugh said after the game. “We’re going to have to find a way to turn it around, figure out who we are this next week, into the bye and out of the bye.”
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 23, 2023. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Cincinnati Bengals continued their slide, as well, losing their third straight game after losing quarterback Joe Burrow to a Week 2 injury. After scoring one combined touchdown in their first two games with backup Jake Browning at the helm, Cincinnati at least scored at the Lions, but three turnovers loomed large and the defense couldn’t slow down Detroit, losing 37-24.
“It’s disappointing and frustrating that we’ve scored three points three weeks in a row in the first half,” head coach Zac Taylor said. “You’re not gonna win against these teams we’re playing against when you do that. That’s my job to get that fixed.”
AFC NORTH WEEK 6 SCHEDULE
Sunday, Oct. 12, 1 p.m. on CBS: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday, Oct. 12, 1 p.m. on FOX: Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore Ravens
Sunday, Oct. 12, 4:25 p.m. on FOX: Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers
AFC NORTH STANDINGS
Team
Record
Conf
AFC North
Head to Head
Pittsburgh Steelers
3-1
2-0
0-0
Cincinnati Bengals
2-3
2-1
1-0
W: CLE
Baltimore Ravens
1-4
1-2
1-0
W: CLE
Cleveland Browns
1-4
0-2
0-2
L: CIN, BAL