Steelers Regain Key Pieces as AFC North Race Tightens

Five weeks ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers appeared to have a firm grip on the AFC North. Their defense was rolling, Aaron Rodgers was settling in, and the path to a division title seemed increasingly realistic. But the landscape has shifted dramatically since early November, leaving Pittsburgh now chasing a surging rival instead of setting the pace.

A pair of recent losses — including last week’s stumble against Chicago — have dropped the Steelers to 6–5. Complicating matters, Rodgers was unavailable after fracturing his non-throwing wrist in Week 11, leaving the offense to navigate without its leader. The setback arrived at a challenging time, as the Baltimore Ravens surged past them with a five-game win streak.

This week, however, brought optimism. Rodgers returned to full participation in Thursday’s practice, signaling that Pittsburgh may have its star quarterback back for Sunday’s crucial showdown with the Buffalo Bills. Wide receiver DK Metcalf was also a full participant, strengthening the likelihood that the Steelers will enter the weekend close to full strength.

With the AFC playoff picture tightening and both teams fighting to stay within reach of their division leaders, Sunday’s matchup carries meaningful weight for Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and a crowded postseason race.

1. Rodgers Nearing Return After Wrist Injury

The Steelers’ offense has spent the past week adjusting to life without its veteran quarterback. Rodgers suffered a fractured non-throwing wrist during a Week 11 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, an injury that forced him to miss the loss to Chicago despite his push to play. Pittsburgh opted for caution, keeping him sidelined to avoid risking further damage. His absence was evident in Week 12. While the Steelers remained competitive, their downfield aggressiveness dipped, and drives stalled at key moments. The result was a narrow but costly road loss that allowed Baltimore to overtake them atop the AFC North. Rodgers’ return to full practice participation Thursday represents a significant step forward. Teammates and coaches were encouraged by his velocity and command, both essential indicators that he is close to game readiness. The final decision will likely hinge on how he responds physically over the weekend. Having Rodgers back would provide not only stability but also a boost in confidence for a team that has endured uneven performances of late. His presence could prove decisive in what amounts to a midseason turning point for Pittsburgh.

2. Pittsburgh’s Margin for Error Shrinking

In their Week 12 matchup against Chicago, the Steelers turned to Mason Rudolph, who delivered an efficient but limited performance. He completed 24 of 31 passes for 171 yards, adding one touchdown and one interception. Despite his composure, the offense lacked explosive plays, and Pittsburgh struggled to sustain drives in the second half. The defeat dropped the Steelers to 6–5 and handed the Ravens an opportunity they quickly seized. Baltimore, which started the season 1–5, has reeled off five straight wins to pull even with Pittsburgh in the standings. The Ravens currently hold the tiebreaker due to a stronger divisional record, setting the stage for the two remaining head-to-head meetings to carry outsized implications. Pittsburgh’s path to reclaiming the AFC North is growing narrower. With the schedule stiffening and no guarantee of help from other contenders, the Steelers must limit additional losses to stay in the race. Avoiding a midseason slide is essential, especially with two games still remaining against the division leaders. Sunday’s matchup doesn’t decide the division, but it marks a chance for Pittsburgh to regain momentum — and to show it can compete at full strength down the stretch.

3. Bills Fighting for Position in Tight AFC Race

Buffalo enters the weekend with the same sense of urgency. At 7–4, the Bills currently hold the AFC’s seventh and final playoff spot, leaving little room for missteps as the conference becomes increasingly competitive. Their margin to maneuver has tightened due to the New England Patriots’ strong season; at 10–2, New England remains in control of the AFC East and has already handed Buffalo a home loss. As the pressure intensifies, Buffalo faces a critical stretch. Their offense continues to flash explosive potential, but inconsistency has at times held them back. Sunday offers an opportunity to stabilize their playoff positioning while putting distance between themselves and other wild-card hopefuls. Much like Pittsburgh, Buffalo is seeking steadiness after an uneven first half of the season. A win would not only secure another valuable conference victory but also reinforce their standing as a legitimate postseason threat. With both teams fighting to maintain relevance in crowded playoff races, the stakes for this matchup are unusually high for late November.