The Steelers are 4-2 following a 33-31 loss to the Bengals at Paycor Stadium. The Steelers still hold a 1 ½-game lead over the second-place Bengals (3-4) in the standings.

Though the season is barely a third over, the Steelers could have opened a commanding 3 ½-game lead. The Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns are in last place with 1-5 records.

The Ravens have a bye this week, and the Browns host the equally hapless Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

While they still have 11 games to play, a 3 ½-game lead would have given the Steelers a big leg up on winning their first AFC North title since 2020. However, the Steelers insisted following Thursday's loss that they were not going to lament the lost opportunity.

"This is the NFL," Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. "We had a chance to really open up some space, but we're 4-2, still first in the division. Got a couple home games coming up back-to-back. Another Sunday night opportunity against my former team (the Green Bay Packers). I'm not going to ride the roller coaster, and I know (coach) Mike (Tomlin) isn't, and hopefully guys follow suit."

Having consecutive home games at Acrisure Stadium should seemingly be advantageous to the Steelers, who host the Packers on Oct. 26 and the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 2. The Steelers have split their two home games so far this season, losing to the Seattle Seahawks and beating the Browns.

The Steelers have four games left in the division.

They host the Bengals on Nov. 16, visit the Ravens on Dec. 7, and visit the Browns on Dec. 28. The Steelers then play the Ravens in Week 18 at Acrisure Stadium to finish the regular season.

Will the Steelers still be in first place by the time the Ravens come to Pittsburgh? It's too early to tell.

Eventually, everyone will find out if the loss to the Bengals hurt the Steelers.