Browns Loss Puts Steelers In Driver's Seat - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

While the Steelers loss to the Jets two weeks ago gave the Browns a potential second chance at catching the Steelers, the Cardinals surprise win over the Browns has given the Steelers a second chance to lock away the division title.

If the Steelers can beat the Bengals tonight in what looks to be a pouring rainstorm, they will hold effectively a three game lead over the Browns with only four games to go. The Steelers end of the year schedule isn't easy, with games against New England and Jacksonville still on the schedule, but the Browns loss on Sunday gives the Steelers some needed breathing room.

And it was needed breathing room. Cleveland's remaining schedule includes the Jets, Bengals and 49ers. Only the Bills are likely to be less than a heavy underdog against Cleveland. If Cleveland had won today and won out, the Steelers would have needed to beat either the Jaguars or the Patriots to win the division.

The Browns are still in good shape for a playoff spot, but a division title just became highly unlikely. This Bengals game isn't nearly the walk over some may think it will be, but if the Steelers can pick up the win, they can start ore-ordering their AFC North champions t-shirts.