The Steelers continued their winning streak to week 12, attaining a franchise-best 11–0 start and becoming the first team to attain that record since the 2015 Carolina Panthers. Their games included blowout wins over the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, shootout victories over the Baltimore Ravens and Titans, and narrow wins over struggling teams such as the Dallas Cowboys and Ravens in a rematch, in which they were missing quarterback Lamar Jackson. However, the winning streak ended when the Steelers blew a 14-point lead against the Washington Football Team to lose 23–17 in week 13. Additional losses to the Buffalo Bills and Bengals in consecutive weeks dropped Pittsburgh to 11–3. However, in Week 16, they ultimately clinched an AFC North title by overcoming a 24–7 deficit to beat the Colts, with the addition of the 1–13 Jets upsetting the Browns. After resting their starters in Week 17 against the Browns, the Steelers set up a playoff rematch with Cleveland back at Heinz Field.