Battle for the AFC North

There are four weeks left in the NFL regular season with four divisions that are still in search of a winner. One of which is the AFC North which will likely come down to the wire.

Let’s dive into the specifics involving what some might say is the toughest division in football:

Who are the contenders?

Currently, the AFC North really only has two main contenders.

The Cleveland Browns are already mathematically eliminated from clinching the division and playoff berth after they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14. The Cincinnati Bengals aren’t that far behind, sitting at a 5-8 record and third in the division.

However, they still have less than a 1% chance according to ESPN, but that would require a lot of stuff to happen. The Bengals would need to win out followed by a fallout of the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, so the odds are stacked against them.

That leaves the Steelers (10-3) and the Ravens (8-5).

Baltimore, while still slim, has a 20% chance to win the division which might continue to rise when looking at its final four games.

Strength of schedule

Both teams have three games in a 10-day window, so that will take a toll no matter who they play.

When looking at the remaining schedule, however, the Ravens have a much easier path down the final stretch of the season. They face the New York Giants, Steelers, Houston Texans and Browns. That gives them a .442 remaining strength of schedule.

Comparing that to Pittsburgh’s schedule, it takes on the Philadelphia Eagles, Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs and Bengals, which calculates to a .692 remaining strength of schedule.

It is clear that the Steelers will have a much harder time clinching the division, but it is still manageable.

Possible scenarios

The Steelers are able to clinch a guaranteed playoff spot with a win this week against the Eagles, but it won't be an easy matchup. The last time they won in Philly dates all the way back to 1965.

That still leaves the division up in the air.

To make things interesting, let’s say they lose against the Eagles, Chiefs and Bengals. Similarly, let’s assume the Ravens can win against the Giants, Texans and Browns.

The Steelers would have a 10-6 record and Baltimore would sit at 11-5.

That means the winner in this Week 16 clash between the Ravens and Steelers would sit atop the AFC North and get a first-round home playoff game. Pittsburgh would win the tiebreaker because it already beat them earlier this year.

Let’s assume a different scenario. If Pittsburgh beats the Eagles, Chiefs and Bengals, which isn't likely, they will clinch the division even with a loss to Baltimore.

These are possibilities, but not certainties. You have to remember that this is football and anything can happen.

Ultimately, the Steelers control their own destiny to win the AFC North title.

Prediction

I think the black and gold will find ways to go at least .500 throughout the last four weeks of the season.

They have pretty favorable matchups against the Chiefs and the Bengals as they will be playing them at home, which has a big impact on the team.

I’m hesitant to say Pittsburgh will sweep the Ravens because it’s always tough, gritty football between these two squads and can go either way. However, the fact the Steelers struggled against them at home makes me think Baltimore will be a problem on the road.

Carlin Whalen is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email cjw6426@psu.edu.