Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) leave the field after an NFL International Series game against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't play in Week 5, as they had a bye week, one of the first teams to receive one this season. But Sunday was still very good for the Steelers.

That's because the Steelers' divisional foes continued their struggles while they rested, with the AFC North going 0-3 in their Week 5 slate. It's the first time since 2018 that the Steelers' three divisional rivals all lost while the Steelers sat idle in a bye week. Now, Pittsburgh has the opportunity to take advantage of an increased lead, while many wonder if the AFC North is the worst division in the league this year.

Things started poorly for the division as the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings began the day with action in London, with the Browns falling to 1-4 overall this season in a tightly fought game that saw them lose 21-17. The Baltimore Ravens then also fell to 1-4 in the worst loss of the day for the AFC North, as the Houston Texans walloped the Ravens 44-10 in a brutal beating. Finally, the Cincinnati Bengals dropped their third consecutive game since losing Joe Burrow for the season as they were handled easily by the Detroit Lions 37-24.

The Steelers now hold a 1.5-game lead over the Bengals, and a 2.5-game lead over the Browns and Ravens. It's the second straight year the Steelers have managed such a hot start, although last season, the Ravens did rally and ultimately win the division. If the Steelers can take advantage of the favorable circumstances and hold onto the divisional lead, they can win their first AFC North title since the 2020 season.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Steelers increase divisional lead during bye week as AFC North goes winless in Week 5

Reporting by Joe Smith, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

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