Welcome to the Week 5 grades! This week, the Pittsburgh Steelers are enjoying a well-deserved bye week, which might just go down in history as one of the best bye weeks in NFL history. The AFC North division appears to be unraveling, providing the Steelers with a unique opportunity to regroup and strategize.
The Baltimore Ravens, initially considered Super Bowl contenders, have hit a significant low point. Following their staggering 44-10 loss to the Houston Texans, it seems that instead of vying for playoff glory, the Ravens may be contending for the No. 1 overall draft pick. This defeat marks a critical juncture in their season, as they are currently allowing an alarming 35.4 points per game, ranking as the 11th most in NFL history after five games.
Adding to their woes, the Ravens have given up at least 37 points in four of their first five games, making them the first team in 71 years to achieve such a dubious distinction. Given this dismal performance, it comes as no surprise that the Ravens did not receive a favorable grade this week. They were one of three teams from the AFC North that suffered losses on Sunday, joining the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.
In light of the turmoil facing their rivals, we are pleased to award the Steelers an impressive 'A+' for their bye week. With the Ravens struggling and other teams in the division faltering, the Steelers have an excellent opportunity to capitalize on this situation. Now, let’s dive into the rest of our Week 5 grades, starting with the game in Baltimore:
As we move forward in the season, it will be interesting to see how the AFC North teams respond to their recent struggles and how the Pittsburgh Steelers capitalize on their advantageous bye week. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the season unfolds!