Well, after a crazy Week 1 of football, one in which Steelers fans would like to forget, let’s take a quick look at the games that mattered most for Pittsburgh’s early stand in the division.

Luckily for the Steelers, they weren’t the only AFC North team to be embarrassed on live television yesterday: the Bengals were as well.

Cincinnati got blown out on the road in Cleveland yesterday, losing 24-3 in a surprisingly convincing win for the Browns.

Joe Burrow, fresh off a $275 million dollar contract extension, one that will make him the highest payed player in the entire NFL, threw for just 82 yards, and was benched midway through the fourth quarter of the game. His benching most likely stems from Cincinnati’s wanting to keep him healthy, but it’s still not a good look for both Burrow and the Bengals.

The Browns meanwhile, had quite day in the gray, rainy conditions Cleveland provided for opening week. Nick Chubb ran for 106 yards, obtaining the bulk of the yardage the Brows obtained on the ground.

No Browns receiver caught for more than 43 yards (Elijah Moore led the way there), but Cleveland was able to play small ball in a big time win for them.

Over in Baltimore, the Ravens secured a victory against the Houston Texans. Lamar Jackson went 17/22 for 169 passing yards, including getting picked off by former Steeler Steven Nelson. Jackson also had 38 rushing yards in the win.

The Ravens overall looked a bit subpar, but the Texans couldn’t capitalize on opportunities given to them by Baltimore. Quarterback CJ Stroud, the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, made his first career start in the NFL, throwing for 242 yards in the defeat.

The Ravens did suffer a massive loss yesterday, however, with news that running back JK Dobbins is going to be out for the season with a torn Achilles. It was one of several injuries starting players on the Ravens suffered in the win.

The AFC North gets a lot more intimate in the upcoming Week 2; the Bengals will host the Ravens, and the Browns will pay the Steelers a visit.

(Featured photo from the Cincinnati Enquirer)