The Pittsburgh Steelers may be in the middle of a much-needed bye week — but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t exciting matchups for fans pay close attention to.
From cheering against a new-look divisional rival to several games with AFC standings at stake, here are four matchups for Steelers fans to watch during Week 5’s bye.
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Vikings vs. Browns, 9:30 a.m. EDT
Oct 3, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) wraps up Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers will get their first glimpse at the new-look Cleveland offense as Dillon Gabriel leads his Browns against the Vikings in London — the perfect scouting opportunity ahead of Pittsburgh’s Week 6 AFC divisional battle.
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) rushes for a touchdown Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Fans need to cheer on the Raiders in this matchup — as a loss to the 3-1 Colts will help the Steelers climb atop the AFC mountain. Additionally, the continued career resurgence of Daniel Jones in Indianapolis will eventually lead him to a collision course with Pittsburgh — when the Steelers host the Colts in Week 9.
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Patriots vs. Bills, 8:20 p.m. EDT (SNF)
Bills quarterback Josh Allen thinks about passing but holds onto the ball as he is sacked by Patriots Daniel Ekuale. Allen was sacked twice in a 35-23 Buffalo win.
As difficult as it may be, Steelers Nation needs to root for New England on Sunday Night Football this week, as the 4-0 Bills are one of the few teams standing in the way of Pittsburgh’s desired No. 1 spot in the AFC. After the Patriots’ dominant 42-13 win over the Panthers in Week 4, a win over Buffalo isn’t as far-fetched as some believe.
Chiefs vs. Jaguars, 8:15 p.m. EDT (MNF)
Nov 13, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) and defensive end Carlos Dunlap (8) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Two current AFC powerhouses sitting at 3-1 — a Monday Night Football matchup that, barring a tie, will push Pittsburgh ahead in the conference standings. The Steelers won’t play against either the Chiefs or the Jaguars this regular season, but the future playoff implications make this a must-watch matchup.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: NFL games Steelers fans should watch during Week 5 bye