The debut episode of the newest season from HBO's "Hard Knocks" franchise didn't disappoint NFL fans, especially in AFC North with Bengals, Steelers.

"We gotta play our best football in December, okay?" Bengals head coach Zac Taylor says to the team in a sneak peek of the "Hard Knocks" debut.

December has arrived in the NFL, which means the playoff races are significantly heating up around the league. The Pittsburgh Steelers have command of the AFC North thanks to their win and the Baltimore Ravens' loss,

Quarterback Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers offense erupted for 520 yards Sunday in their 44-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Paired with the Baltimore Ravens’ 24-19 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Steelers (9-3) are now the frontrunners in the AFC North, with the Ravens (8-5) trailing by two games in the loss column.

The wait is almost over. The newest iteration of "Hard Knocks," which features the Cincinnati Bengals, debuts this week. Here's how to watch.

Week 14 will see the remaining six teams (Ravens, Broncos, Texans, Colts, Patriots, and Commanders) that haven’t gotten time off finally get some needed regrouping time. That means the final four weeks of 2024 will feature full 16-game slates.

The Chiefs and Bills have solidified their place in the AFC playoff picture after their Week 13 matchups, with Steelers right behind them.

The season started with four potential 2024 playoff teams and tons of storylines. As HBO's Hard Knocks takes an inside, in-season look at this historical division, fans will now have an up-close look at the Ravens and Steelers chase for a division title.

The Bills have clinched the AFC East, the Chiefs have clinched a playoff berth, and 12 more playoff spots are up for grabs.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Tuesday night featured the Browns and the rest of the division in the first episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks: In Season With the AFC North.” Having aired since 2001, the series usually would examine one team during the training camp period, and has recently examined a second team during the season.

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