TL;DR
- Bengals beat Ravens, ending their four-game losing streak and breaking Baltimore's five-game win streak.
- Steelers lead AFC North at 6-5; Ravens are 6-6, Bengals 4-8; Steelers could reclaim lead with a win.
- Steelers temporarily hold fourth in AFC playoff picture; Ravens drop to ninth; Bengals are twelfth.
- Bengals' division title contention is realistic with Joe Burrow's return and potential for playoff berth.
The Cincinnati Bengals secured a win against the Baltimore Ravens during Week 13, marking quarterback Joe Burrow's return to play.
This victory halts the Bengals' losing skid, which had reached four games prior to their Thursday night triumph.
The Ravens' five-game winning streak was broken. This streak was deceptive, though, as Baltimore didn't perform exceptionally well during that period and was aided by facing easier opponents.
Now that the Thursday night matchup is concluded, here's the current status of the AFC North and postseason outlook for The Bengals, Ravens, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
AFC North standings
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5)
2. Baltimore Ravens (6-6)
3. Cincinnati Bengals (4-8)
4. Cleveland Browns (3-8)
Although the Steelers haven't played yet this week, a victory against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday would put Pittsburgh in the lead of the AFC North.
If the Steelers lose, the Ravens will regain the top spot in the division.
Cincinnati will stay in third place regardless, but they have a chance to gain a game on the Steelers if the Steelers lose to the Bills.
Considering the recent performance of the Steelers and Ravens, and with Burrow's return, Cincinnati's chances of contending for the division title are now realistic.
AFC playoff picture
Following the Ravens' defeat by The Bengals, the Steelers have temporarily secured the fourth position in the AFC playoff picture, with The Ravens dropping to ninth.
Pittsburgh and Baltimore will swap spots again if the Steelers don't beat the Bills.
Cincinnati currently holds the 12th position heading into the weekend. However, they have the potential to advance to 11th place should the Miami Dolphins be defeated by the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
Given their current standing in the conference playoff race, Cincinnati's most viable path to a playoff berth could be through winning their division.
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