The Pittsburgh Steelers now lead the AFC North at 6-2. Based on their record alone, they are one of the best teams in the NFL. Russell Wilson has revved up his offense and his defense is still elite. It looks like they could fight for the championship if they keep playing like they are. However, former NFL cornerback Richard Sherman believes they still have a lot of work to do before then.

“If (Wilson) finds a way to beat the Baltimore Ravens multiple times this year, I think that’s the start of a conversation that really puts them in contention,” Sherman said on his podcast Tuesday. “But at the moment they are a feel-good story with a phenomenal defense.

“Najee Harris looks like the guy they expected when they drafted him. Russell Wilson played two really good games and he’s still managing to shake off the rust.”

Even though the Steelers have a better record than the Ravens, it’s still a close race. This won’t be the first time the division has been left to the Ravens and Steelers. Their first duel takes place in just a few weeks and will be extremely important for both teams.

When Sherman says the Steelers have to beat the Ravens twice to compete, it feels like he’s asking for a lot, but that’s not crazy. The Steelers defense played some of its best football against quarterback Lamar Jackson. In fact, he only beat the Steelers once as their starting quarterback, and that was when Mason Rudolph was ejected from the game and replaced by Devlin Hodges.

The Steelers have beaten the Ravens in three of the last four seasons, so it may not be as stellar an accomplishment as Sherman believes. However, the Ravens look like a different beast this year. Their defense isn’t as strong as usual, but their offense is a machine. Jackson and running back Derrick Henry formed one of the NFL’s greatest rushing attacks.

The Ravens also reportedly just acquired former Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson, which will make both games even more heated. Winning the AFC North will be crucial to the playoffs this year, and if the Steelers actually want to win a Super Bowl, they may have to handle business with the Ravens first. Both teams appear to be headed for the playoffs, so their matchups this regular season could just be precursors to a third game.