The Pittsburgh Steelers have taken control of the AFC North, coming off their bye week.

The Steelers (3-1) are atop the standings and the only team with a winning record in the division. Following them are the Cincinnati Bengals (2-3), the Baltimore Ravens (1-4), and the Cleveland Browns (1-4).

The Bengals, Ravens, and Browns all lost last week, while the Steelers had a relaxing weekend. However, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says he doesn't get caught up in the standings this early in the season.

"I don't care what happened with other people, especially last weekend," Tomlin said Tuesday during his weekly news conference. "It's about coming off the bye and getting ready for this week. I'm not a big picture guy."

Regardless, the Steelers have the opportunity in the next five days to create more distance in the standings as they play their first two intradivision games of the season, both at Acrisure Stadium. The Browns visit on Sunday, followed by the Bengals on Thursday Night Football.

Tomlin enjoys discussing the intensity of division games. He looks forward to experiencing that tough style of play in back-to-back weeks. Tomlin is especially excited to match wits with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and defensive coordinator Jim Schwarz.

"I just love being in big-time competition," Tomlin said. "I'm a competition junkie. I just think the divisional component of how our schedules are aligned in today's game, the intimacies specifically of the AFC North, the stability within the programs. Kevin's been in Cleveland for a number of years. I've known Jim Schwartz for a long time.

"I think that intimacy, that knowledge creates competition. I think the geographic proximity creates a cool environment. There's a lot to be excited about relative to this game this weekend and AFC North football."

The Steelers will play divisional foes six times in the last eight weeks of the season – home against the Bengals in Week 11, at the Ravens in Week 14, at the Browns in Week 17, and at home against the Ravens in Week 18 to wrap up the regular season.