**Steelers Edge Past Ravens and Firmly Lead AFC North**

The Pittsburgh Steelers have strengthened their lead in the AFC North, now holding a 1.5 game advantage after narrowly defeating the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 to improve their record to 8-2 for the season. The victory showcased a range of standout performances from several key players.

Chris Boswell, the Steelers' remarkable kicker, continues to amaze. In a rare feat, he contributed all 18 points by going 6-of-6 on field goals, bringing his season tally to an outstanding 29-of-30. His exceptional consistency plays a crucial role in the team's victories, including this one where field goals made all the difference.

Linebacker Patrick Queen had a memorable game against his former team. Queen was instrumental with 10 tackles, including one for a loss, and a game-changing forced fumble, which he also recovered. This crucial turnover late in the first half set up a field goal, giving the Steelers a 9-7 advantage and solidifying his dominance on the field.

Rookie Payton Wilson's stunning interception also stood out. Stealing a pass from Justice Hill, Wilson's crucial play set up Boswell's sixth field goal, which was pivotal in securing the win. T.J. Watt, vying for the Defensive Player of the Year, had another impressive game with a sack and two tackles for loss, including a significant hit on Derrick Henry.

Wide receiver George Pickens is proving his worth as a go-to option. With eight receptions for 89 yards, Pickens now ranks third in the NFL for receiving yards, answering any doubts about his capability as a No. 1 receiver.

Veteran defensive lineman Dean Lowry had his best performance for the Steelers since joining from the Vikings, contributing a sack and a crucial pass deflection. Likewise, star cornerback Joey Porter rebounded strongly after a tough week by not allowing any catches in coverage against the Ravens.

Starting the game with a forced fumble on Derrick Henry, Herbig set a dominant tone for the Steelers' defense. Meanwhile, Cam Heyward's four tackles and two deflected passes were a constant source of disruption for Baltimore's offense.

However, not all players had a flawless game. Quarterback Wilson's QBR of 14.5 underscored a challenging performance marred by a red zone interception. Similarly, offensive linemen Moore and Jones struggled against the Ravens, each allowing multiple pressures and penalties that they will need to correct before facing the Browns.

Overall, the Steelers' victory over the Ravens displayed a mixture of stellar and challenging individual performances, underpinning their position at the top of the AFC North.