Pittsburgh Steelers Keep AFC North Lead Over Ravens, James Conner Expected To Return Against Saints

The Pittsburgh Steelers picked up their biggest win of the season Sunday when they defeated the New England Patriots 17-10. The team maintained their half-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North and took one step closer toward making the playoffs.

The Week 15 contest was arguably a “must-win” situation for Pittsburgh because of their upcoming schedule. The Steelers will visit the New Orleans Saints in Week 16 in what should be their toughest matchup of the year. Pittsburgh will host the Cincinnati Bengals in the season finale.

There’s a good chance that Pittsburgh will only need one more win in order to clinch a third straight division title. The Baltimore Ravens could certainly lose at least one more game since they will visit the Los Angeles Chargers and host the Cleveland Browns to conclude the regular season. L.A. is tied for the AFC’s best record. Cleveland has won four of their last five games, and they beat Baltimore earlier this season.

Pittsburgh can earn the AFC’s second wild-card berth if the Ravens end up winning the division. They’ve got a half-game lead over the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans. The Miami Dolphins are 1.5 games behind the Steelers in the overall NFL standings.

James Conner is expected to play in Week 16 after missing the previous two games with a sprained ankle. The running back was limited in practice Friday.

Just about every running back that Pittsburgh has plugged into the starting role this season has experienced success. The team didn't miss a beat when Conner began the year as Le’Veon Bell’s replacement, totaling 909 rushing yards in 12 games. Jaylen Samuels might have had the best day of any Steeler in Week 15 when he rushed the ball 19 times for 142 yards.

With two weeks left in the regular season, Pittsburgh ranks fourth in total offense and 11th in total defense.