AFC North Showdown: Steelers Clinch? Last Games for Stars & Pro Bowl Snubs

As the regular season winds down, our panel of AFC North writers takes a closer look at the pressing issues and pending decisions facing each team.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:25am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a football game, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, capturing the intensity and uncertainty of the division showdown.As the AFC North division race reaches a fever pitch, the season's final games will determine the futures of several star players across the region.Today in Pittsburgh

The AFC North division race is heating up as the regular season nears its end. Our panel of experts examines the key storylines, including the Steelers' chance to clinch the division title, the uncertain futures of several star players, and the notable Pro Bowl snubs across the division.

Why it matters

The outcome of the AFC North showdown will have significant implications for the playoff picture and the long-term futures of several high-profile players. Fans are eager to see how the division race unfolds and which teams and individuals emerge as the standouts this season.

The details

The Steelers are in a strong position to clinch the division title, but they still have work to do, including addressing DK Metcalf's altercation with a fan and T.J. Watt's partially collapsed lung. The Ravens' fate is tied to the outcomes of other games, and their future is uncertain, with questions surrounding Lamar Jackson's status. The Bengals have an opportunity to showcase their dominance with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, while the Browns' future is uncertain, with Myles Garrett on track to break the single-season sack record.

  • The Steelers can clinch the division title this weekend.
  • The Ravens need to beat the Packers and Steelers on the road, and they also need the Browns to beat the Steelers.
  • The Bengals' remaining games against Arizona and Cleveland hold no real significance, but they can set the tone for the 2026 season.

The players

DK Metcalf

Steelers wide receiver who was involved in an altercation with a fan.

T.J. Watt

Steelers linebacker who is dealing with a partially collapsed lung.

Lamar Jackson

Ravens quarterback whose future with the team is uncertain.

Joe Burrow

Bengals quarterback who is playing alongside Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Myles Garrett

Browns defensive end who is on track to break the single-season sack record.

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What they’re saying

“The Steelers have several reasons to stay engaged, including DK Metcalf's altercation with a fan, T.J. Watt's uncertain status due to a partially collapsed lung, and the team's recent peak performance.”

— Mike DeFabo, Steelers writer

“The Ravens' fate is intertwined with the outcomes of other games, and their future is uncertain. They need to beat the Packers and Steelers on the road, and they also need the Browns to beat the Steelers.”

— Jeff Zrebiec, Ravens writer

“The Bengals have an opportunity to showcase their dominance with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins playing together. They can set the tone for the 2026 season, even if their remaining games against Arizona and Cleveland hold no real significance.”

— Paul Dehner Jr., Bengals writer

“The Browns' future is uncertain, and Myles Garrett is on track to break the single-season sack record. Shedeur Sanders' status as the starting quarterback for 2026 remains a question mark.”

— Zac Jackson, Browns writer

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This AFC North showdown highlights the uncertainty and high stakes facing each team as the regular season winds down. The Steelers' chance to clinch the division title, the Ravens' need to win key games, the Bengals' opportunity to showcase their dominance, and the Browns' future questions all contribute to a captivating division race with significant implications for the playoffs and the long-term futures of several star players.