The Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field was brutal on many levels.
In addition to losing starting running back Le’Veon Bell, potentially for the remainder of the season to a right knee injury during the game, the Sunday loss almost ensures that the Steelers have no shot at winning the AFC North this year with half of their schedule yet to be played.
The Bengals exit Week 8 with a perfect 7-0 record and essentially a five-game lead over the Steelers in the loss column. If the Steelers somehow managed to win all eight of their remaining games, one of which will be against the Bengals, they’ll also need Cincinnati to lose four of their other eight remaining games if they are to win their division.
As far as the AFC Wild Card race goes, the Steelers will likely have to beat out the New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs for one of two playoff spots.
The Steelers will host the Raiders next Sunday at Heinz Field.
