The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to capture the organization's first AFC North title since the 2020 season in 2025, and that was something that was unexpected. It is especially hard to win a division when two other teams have franchise quarterbacks that are near the top of the league, yet Pittsburgh found a way to win while being led by Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers would like to continue winning despite the extreme turnover on the coaching staff, but it won't be easy with Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson operating against them once again in 2026.
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow makes a gesture to the crowd as he walks off the field during a professional football game away from home.
Over the last few years, the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals have been the two franchises that have been favored to win the AFC North each season. The Steelers usually slate in at third, while the Cleveland Browns continue being the league's laughingstock. That was how things were shaping up prior to the 2025 season, but clearly things did not go that way as the Steelers wound up hosting a playoff game on Wild Card Weekend. The Ravens and Bengals did not qualify for the postseason.
Former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recently gave his outlook on the AFC North for the 2026 season, where he predicted that the Steelers will win the division once again. He cited Cincinnati's struggling defense, Baltimore's Super Bowl window closing, and Cleveland's inept ability to do anything right as the reasons why. Former Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith took issue with that.
Ben is just making 💩 up. Ain't no way he truly believes Pittsburgh is ahead of Baltimore or Cincy. https://t.co/mhhwbRnllu
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) March 30, 2026
Smith won a Super Bowl with the Ravens and spent a good chunk of time with the organization, so him defending Baltimore is completely fair and expected. On paper, the Ravens should win the division almost every season, and probably should have been to at least one Super Bowl by now with Jackson under center. However, that's why you're still supposed to play the games. Anything can happen.
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Former Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith returns to Baltimore for a primetime game.
Jackson has won the league's MVP Award twice in his career already. Ravens fans like Smith will always think that Baltimore has the best chance to win the division with Jackson running the show on offense. However, Smith's bizarre defense of Cincinnati is a bit odd. Burrow has not been able to stay healthy, and the Bengals have not been a competitive team in general since the 2022 season. Burrow and the Bengals have a potent offense, but the defense is a major issue, as is the health of the franchise quarterback.
It is assumed by most that Rodgers will be back for the Steelers in 2026, but nothing is confirmed quite yet. If he does come back, the division should be a tight race once again, and the Steelers will have a chance to finish ahead of the Ravens and the Bengals.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025 in Baltimore, MD.
Steelers' 2025 Wins Called Out By Torrey Smith
Smith's initial tweet calling out Roethlisberger received some backlash, and Pittsburgh fans came to their Super Bowl-winning quarterback's defense. The former wide receiver stood his ground as he called out Pittsburgh's wins over Baltimore from the 2025 season.
Won the division thanks to a horrible (and confirmed) no int and missed Isaiah Likely TD.
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) March 31, 2026
The Ravens had an injury report that looked like a CVS receipt.
They were just ok. https://t.co/LPav3D23eY
There were absolutely some calls that went the Steelers way during the first matchup between the two franchises in 2025, but a former NFL player should know better than to blame injuries. Every team battles injuries, and they're unfortunate, but it is not a reason to escape taking blame for losses.
What do you think about the comments from Smith? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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